The event drew 350 attendees and netted $200,000 in support for the organization, said Amber Stienbarger, executive director of CASA of South Central Missouri, which advocates for foster children in Phelps, Pulaski, Texas and Maries counties.

CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 entities. The local organization’s mission, Stienbarger said, is to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect.

“Each year, numerous abused and neglected children in our area find themselves navigating the family court system, as living safely at home becomes an impossibility for them,” she said. “These children deserve a voice and an advocate who will tirelessly champion their best interests. CASA fulfills that crucial role by providing dedicated volunteers who are trained and supported to prioritize these children's needs.”

This year’s Festival of Trees event was CASA’s seventh annual. This year’s theme was “A Cozy CASA Christmas,” and the atmosphere of the Innovation Lab reflected that motif, with rows of decorated trees that were auctioned during the night, a s’mores bar, a group of carolers, and even a human Elf on the Shelf, portrayed by Missouri S&T student Kaden Counts. Other items auctioned throughout the evening included baked goods, a turkey-hunting excursion, and a golf bag complete with gift cards. Numerous other items donated by area businesses and individuals raised funds through a silent auction that began earlier and ended that evening.

A total of 545 children are currently in foster care in CASA of South Central Missouri’s service area, Stienbarger said. She called it “a paralyzing number” but thanked all the CASA volunteers who serve as advocates for those children.

“You are changing the future and doing something so very selfless by changing one life,” she said.

Also during the event, Stienbarger presented CASA’s Advocate of the Year Award to Fonda Crouch Lohraff of Dixon. A retired teacher, Crouch Lohraff has volunteered with CASA for four years and now works part-time for the organization as a community support specialist.

Established in 2004, CASA of South Central Missouri has provided support and advocacy for over 1,400 children in the 25th Judicial Circuit.

CASA of South Central Missouri is headquartered in Rolla and has satellite offices in Houston and Waynesville.

For more information about the organization, visit www.casascmo.org, email info@casascmo.org or call 573-586-4716.