From left, Board Member Alexis Villarreal, CASA Executive Director Veronica Whitacre, and CASA Vice-Chair Dr. Richard Gillett pose for a photo during CASA Dinner festivities held June 18. (Benjamin Treviño | The Monitor)

About 150 to 200 people gathered June 18 at the estate of Dr. Richard Gillett to celebrate and raise money for CASA of Hidalgo County. The event featured swimming, music, beverages, and seven different types of ethnic foods.

The event was underwritten and organized by CASA Vice-Chairman Dr. Richard Gillett, who has been an avid CASA supporter and board member for 13 years.

CASA of Hidalgo County is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977. CASA recruits and trains community volunteers who act as a “voice in court” for abused and neglected children, and children in foster care.

The volunteers provide family court judges with the detailed information needed to safeguard the children’s best interests and ensure that they were placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Founded in 1994, CASA of Hidalgo County seeks to ensure that every child in the county who needs a child advocate, has one.

“Presently we have 68 volunteer CASA advocates, but we’re lacking about 20,” said CASA Executive Director Veronica Whitacre. “These kids deserve a good life, and we try to meet their needs. We visit with them often. Events like this help us raise money to help these children. Some of them need a new bed. Some need new clothing. One boy just wanted a new basketball.”

CASA of Hidalgo County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and a member of the National and Texas CASA Associations. There are more than 1,000 CASA programs nationwide and 71 CASA programs in the state of Texas.

To get involved with CASA, or to make a donation, call (956) 381-0346. You can also visit the CASA website at: www.casaofhidalgo.com/us.