Just the day before, NorthPark Center had a brief power outage. But on Sunday, July 12, there was no lack of power or people. The only thing that was lacking was a parking space at 5 p.m. when 100 of the Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses partners and friends officially kicked off the annual fundraiser with a “Housewarming” at Green House Market with Chef Ben Hutchison cooking away.
Dallas CASA Board Member/Capital Campaign Vice-Chair Christie Carter admitted that the past year had been an odd mix. The good news was that thanks to educational programs, educators were better prepared to recognize and report cases of child abuse. The results have been a 9% increase in cases reported.
But that increase meant greater funds were needed to provide advocacy for the under-age victims.
When asked about the status of the Dallas CASA capital campaign to raise $37M within two years, Christie reported that they were less than $2M away.
In making remarks to the crowd including Honorary Co-Chairs Angela and Jim Thompson, Event Co-Chairs Fran and Mark Berg, Suzanne Bryan, Julies Slim, Michael Turner, Tyler Murph, Matthias Stein with kiddos Hermann and Mathilda and Dallas CASA Board Chair Greg May, Dallas CASA Executive Director/President Kathleen LaValle gave special thanks to the Northwood Women’s Club who staff the raffle ticket tables throughout the center.
Still another organization that was acknowledged was Glazer’s, which tackles the monumental task of delivering the houses unscratched.
She then recognized the builders who had created the 16 playhouses displayed from Dillards to Macy’s to Nordstroms.
Ironically, one of this year’s playhouse builders was OmniPlan, which had also built NorthPark.
One guest reviewed the mini-mansions saying, “I don’t want to belittle others, but I think these playhouses are the best yet. Just outstanding!”
Kathleen also notified guests that if they wanted to vote for their favorite playhouse, they could do it online without purchasing a raffle ticket.
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