More than $25,000 raised for CASA through fundraiser

Published by the Johnson City Press

Girls brought their dolls to celebrate everything it means to be an American Girl at CASA’s 2nd annual American Girl Fashion Show and Tea Party on April 2 at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City.

More than $25,000 was made from the event to help CASA serve the children of Northeast Tennessee who are in the court system because of abuse and neglect. More than 90 girls participated in the fashion show, modeling historical clothing from daywear to sleepwear to special-occasion clothing that resembles what the popular American Girl characters Kaya, Felicity, Josefina and Julie might have worn. Contemporary “Just Like You” outfits for older girls and sweet Bitty Baby fashions for the little ones completed the program.

More than 600 participants enjoyed a tea party while watching the model show and entertainment from hostess Jessica Nixon, former Miss Northeast Tennessee and Miss Johnson City.

Local attorney Ginna Kennedy directed the show this year. Mayor Jane Myron held a mayoral proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Johnson City. Judge Sharon Green also came to show her support for CASA and encourage the girls to help prevent child abuse by reaching out to a child at school. She explained to the audience that one of the risk factors of child abuse and neglect is isolation. If they could be a friend to a child that might not have a lot of friends of family, then they would be doing their part to help prevent child abuse and neglect. She also encouraged the parents and family members who were attending the program to do the same.

“The linkage that we provide to these families that may be isolated or too stressed, can help prevent child abuse and neglect in our community,” Green said.

She expressed her support for CASA and the need for their services in the juvenile court system.

CASA advocate volunteers are the eyes and the ears of the judge and the voice for the child in court. The mission of CASA of Northeast Tennessee is to recruit, train, monitor and support community based volunteers to act as Court Appointed Special Advocates. These volunteer advocates “speak up” for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the Juvenile Courts of Northeast Tennessee, striving to preserve the right of each child to a safe, permanent home.

Many volunteers including local professionals made the fundraiser a huge success. Jill Lewis and Cindy Webb photographed the show and DJ Alan Dodson with ThoseWedding People.com donated his time and equipment to provide sound for the program. Scott Jenkinson from Tennessee High provided the lighting.

American Girl is one of the nation’s top direct marketers, children’s publishers and experiential retailers. American Girl Programs is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations to present Fashion Show events to raise funds for children’s charities. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to “celebrate girls,” American Girl Programs’ events have generated millions of dollars for worthwhile causes nationwide.

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