Dallas CASA‘s 2021 Parade of Playhouses started its 17-day march in NorthPark this morning, attracting attention from all generations. One gray-haired type declared, “They sure aren’t like the one I had.” While a young mother stood nearby discreetly nursing her infant, her toddler was perplexed by the Plexiglas barrier that lay between him the innards of one of the playhouses. Meantime a 20-something with green highlights in her hair stopped her morning walk to check out what looked like a car wash. And then there was the Mavericks Mascot Headquarters that raised the question, “Where’s the Mavs Mascot?” But more about that last one later.
This year’s crop of mini-mansions is a winner.
But as awe-inspiring as the mini-mansions are from the distance, the attention to detail and dedication might be overlooked at first blush. For instance, there is one with a secret door and two small chairs; another has walls filled with little toy cars; as a turret towers over one, another has a telescope, a periscope and a pair of binoculars on its roof; while one is totally open to the elements and made for climbing, another is closed up tight thanks to Dutch barn doors; and then there is a sweetheart of a traditional cottage with board games to play.
The care that the builders and designers put into these playhouses is inspired by the care that Dallas CASA provides for children in need of advocacy. Thanks to the raffling of these eight playhouses, the Dallas CASA work will continue to protect the most vulnerable in Dallas County. Last year more than 1,500 volunteers served 3,374 children in Dallas County.
Why not take a chance and buy a ticket? They’re going for $5 each or five for $20. And if you don’t have a youngster or a backyard, you can always donate the playhouse to an area non-profit like The Family Place.
For a look at all the Playhouses, go to MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
And as for that “Where’s the Mavs Mascot?” question, Champ and Mavs Man will be checking out the Headquarters playhouse on Friday, July 23, from 3 to 4 p.m.