The time has come for ‘Picnic For A Purpose’, an outdoor fundraiser by CASA of Southwest Michigan, on Sunday, September 11th. The second annual fundraiser will be held at the Morris Estate in Niles from 3:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m, and the afternoon will be filled with live music, a delicious picnic spread, and a silent auction, where proceeds raised will allow this organization to serve more children in our area.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) changes the world for youth in foster care, making sure their voices are heard, their needs are met, and each child knows they are not alone. CASA works with children in the Berrien County and St. Joseph County Family Court systems, and is constantly training new volunteers who wish to advocate for these children.
They are a non-profit organization funded by community donations and grants, which makes the attendance of these CASA fundraising events so important. ‘Picnic For A Purpose’ is their largest fundraiser of the year, and donations and sponsorships continue to pour in daily.
“The support that we receive for our program from those within the community never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. It is because of our donors that CASA is able to serve the children in our community who are going through hard times,” says CASA.
‘Picnic For A Purpose’ is a family-friendly, casual affair, complete with complimentary picnic blanket for lawn sitting, and also a cash bar. Entertainment for this year’s picnic will be provided by The Max Lockwood Band, a Michigan songwriter, vocalist, and poet, whose deep, sonic soundscapes reveal truth, love, adversity, and growth. Max is also the frontman for The Insiders, a Tom Petty tribute band.
This September 11th event takes place at 1560 Morris Drive in Niles, on the beautiful grounds of the Morris Estate. Ticket sales close on September 1st, as they are limited, so purchase yours quickly! Prices for the afternoon are $50/adult, $25/child, and the link to purchase tickets can be found here. To learn more about CASA, and how you can make a difference in a child’s life, please visit casaswmi.org.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
