CASA Honors Partners for Investing in Children

Over 150 individuals, corporations and foundations in the Pikes Peak region were brought together this week by a shared belief:  Every child has the right to thrive; to be treated with dignity, and to live in a safe, loving home.

On August 29, CASA held a recognition event to thank and honor local citizens and business representatives who have supported the organization’s advocacy work on behalf of abused and neglected children.

“Last year, CASA served nearly 1,000 children who had been abused, neglected or involved in domestic conflict,” stated Trudy Strewler Hodges, CASA Executive Director.  “With over 12,000 incidents of abuse reported in El Paso County last year, individual and community partnerships are the foundation that allows CASA to continue to help these children.”

CASA is deeply appreciative of all our supporters for their generous investment in children. The following partners were recognized for their long-term or special support during the last year:

Corporate Partner of the Year
Deluxe Corporation was named CASA’s Corporate Partner of the Year in recognition of grants that have supported the child abuse advocacy program since 2005. In addition to its grant program, Deluxe encourages employee philanthropy and volunteerism through its employee matching gift program and by making donations to organizations at which their employees volunteer.

Foundation Partner of the Year
The El Pomar Foundation was recognized as CASA’s Foundation Partner of the Year.  El Pomar’s initial investment in 1989 enabled CASA to begin operations in Colorado Springs, and the Foundation was a tremendous partner in helping CASA purchase the Maytag Aircraft Building in 1994.  Since then, El Pomar has continued its support through grants, special investments, sponsorships, its employee matching gift program, and volunteers.

Individual Investor Award
The Loo Family, Gary and Katherine Loo and Susan Pattee, were also recognized as a long term partner with an Individual Investor Award for their significant volunteer efforts, as well as monetary support.  Individuals of the Loo Family have been the most generous supporters to CASA in its 23 year history.

Small Business Partners
Small business including Source Architechnology, The Preservation Studio, Trax Construction, Stanton Construction, and C & C Sand and Stone were honored for donating expertise, labor and materials for the renovation and repair of the CASA parking lot, courtyard and office bathrooms.

Legacy Award
Kat Jorstad has been an investor since 1996 and was honored with the Legacy Award for going above and beyond to serve and support CASA. Kat created and served as the first chair of the Circle of Impact (women’s philanthropy group) which raises over $80,000 for CASA annually. She and the Circle gave the first gift to establish CASA’s endowment, leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Fundraising Volunteer
Ann Thomas is a staunch supporter of CASA and was recognized for her long-term participation in CASA’s annual Light of Hope fundraiser. Ann has hosted multiple tables at the event for the past five years, raising many thousands of dollars.

An additional highlight of the recognition event was the introduction of CASA’s new giving society, the Sustaining Circle, made of up individuals who have made monetary contributions to CASA every year for ten or more years.

We extend our deepest thanks to our gracious hostess Margot Lane for sharing her beautiful home with CASA guests.

Photos: CASA Executive Director Trudy Strewler Hodges with award winners. Click on thumbnail for full view.