It was just 30 years ago that the CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocates) was started. Over the years many came to recognize it as the group that builds and sells the darling playhouses each year at NorthPark Center. For others it became the powerful frontline defense for “the best interests of abused and neglected children in protective care.”
But this powerhouse group didn’t start out that way. No, it started with one staff person and 10 volunteers. All were dedicated and unfortunately, all were in overwhelming demand. Today CASA has 650 volunteers and more than 40 staff members. And from the turnout (pictured) for the Dallas CASA Homecoming Celebration Saturday night at Eddie Deen, it appears they were all there to celebrate 30 years of working together for children in need of protection.
And what would a homecoming be without a homecoming queen and king? Not to worry. Fulfilling those roles were former federal prosecutors Madeleine Johnson and Paul Coggins, (pictured right with Madeleine Johnson) who were literally crowned and presented with trophies for putting the shindig together. After wearing his crown for a few minutes, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddel partner Paul told the crowd, “I’m getting used to this crown thing. I’ll be wearing it around the house, Regina. And, Veronica, I’ll be wearing it at the office as well.”
Like any good queen, Madeleine, who is now VP/general counsel for Southwest Airlines, gave credit for the success to others like WFAA-CH. 8′s Brett Shipp, who produced a marvelous video featuring former Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle, District Attorney Craig Watkins, DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and philanthropist Caroline Rose Hunt on behalf of CASA.
While all the speakers including CASA Executive Director Beverly Levy, Board members Darrel Rice and Dave Kroencke and Jim and Angela Thompson were impressive, as was the recognition of the members of the “Ring of Honor,” it was when they asked the CASA advocates to stand that made the greatest impact on assembled. Nearly half of the audience stood to the applause of the rest except for Sidney Tassan. He couldn’t because he was holding the hand of his wife/CASA volunteer, Cynthia Hinojosa,(pictured right with Sidney Tassan) who was standing.
It was that kind of night when people who go that extra mile for others got a pat on the back from the community.
If you weren’t able to make it to the 30th anniversary, why not sign up and volunteer so you can stand up at the next one?
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Love that photo of Paul and Madeleine! Great post, Jeanne!