Citizens, Businesses, Foundations Honored for Investing in Children
L-R: Grace Covington, Covington Homes; Kent Fortune, USAA; Andie Doyle, H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Foundations; David M. Johnson, P.C.; Jenny Bender, CASA
Citizens and representatives from businesses and foundations in the Pikes Peak region were brought together recently by a shared belief: Every child has the right to be treated with dignity, and to live in a safe, loving home. On September 14, 2016, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region held a recognition event to honor local donors who have supported the organization’s advocacy work on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Executive Director Jenny Bender thanked supporters for empowering CASA to serve 1,759 children in all programs over the past 12 months; more children than CASA has ever served in one year. “You are investors, in a mission, in a movement to bring positive change to the lives of abused and neglected children,” said Bender.
As a featured speaker, 4th Judicial District Court Judge Lin Billings Vela shared her perspective on the value of CASA in the courtroom. “As a judge on Dependency and Neglect (child abuse) cases, the future of these children depends on us getting it right, and this is where CASA is so important. It is the first-hand, eyes-on reports from the Court Appoint Special Advocates that helps assure me the decisions I am making serve the best interest of the children,” she said. Billings Vela thanked guests for promoting CASA’s work to ensure every abused or neglected child in El Paso and Teller counties can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. Hear more of Judge Billings Vela’s remarks from the event.
Several companies were honored with special awards for their support of CASA and for their culture of giving back to the community where employees live and work:
Corporate Partner of the Year: USAA Foundation
Foundation Partner of the Year: H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Foundations
Small Business Partner of the Year: Covington Homes
Individual Investor of the Year: David M. Johnson, P.C.
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Kent Fortune, Vice President and General Manager of USAA accepts the Corporate Partner of the Year award from CASA Executive Director Jenny Bender and CASA Board Vice Chair, DeeAnn Rothstein.
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Ron and Grace Covington, owners of Covington Homes, accept the Small Business Partner of the Year award from CASA Director Jenny Bender.
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CASA Executive Director Jenny Bender and Board Vice Chair, DeeAnn Rothstein present Andie Doyle with the Foundation Partner of the Year Award on behalf of the H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Foundations.
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Individual Investor of the Year David M. Johnson with his daughter Marianne.
Hear from Dave on why he thinks supporting CASA is the Rolls Royce of investments
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Official greeters and the personification of the CASA mission!