With just a couple of weeks left in the spring fundraising season, news is filling the air with results of the past months and plans for the fall.
Dallas CASA has landed quite a speaker for its Champion of Children Award Dinner — Michigan circuit court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina. Last year she made national headlines for her actions in the trial of former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
Following his being found guilty of “sexually molesting patients under the guise of medical treatment,” Judge Aquilina allowed “time and space for the victims to speak publicly prior to Nassar’s sentencing.”
One of those victims was Olympic Gold medalist Aly Raisman, who said, “Larry, you do realize now that we, this group of women you so heartlessly abused over such a long period of time, are now a force and you are nothing.”
In sentencing Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison, she said, “Your decision to assault was precise, calculated, manipulated, devious and despicable. And, I want you to know, as much as it was my honor and privilege to hear the survivors, it is my honor and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.”
On the other hand, she told the “sister survivors” to “leave your pain here and go out and do magnificent things.”
Judge Aquilina should be quite a draw on Thursday, November 14, at the Omni Dallas Hotel, so start deciding whether you’re going to do a sponsorship or a table purchase.
* Graphic and photo provided by Dallas CASA