MISSOULA — CASA is a group of volunteers that work within our legal system to support and advocate for children in court.
This year, like so many other charitable organizations, one of their largest fundraisers has undergone a few changes. We sat down with a few members of the group to learn more.
"So, we are working with the Superhero Run for CASA of Missoula. CASA of Missoula provides trained volunteer advocates to best represent interests of children, that have suffered abuse or neglect and are involved within the judicial system," explained executive director Scott Appel. "And the advocates act as the best interest of the kids. They are the eyes and ears of the judge and the case. And they stick with the kids until they are in a safe and permeant home.
"We are having our Superhero Run October 3rd and 4th. It is a virtual run. We are really doing it for a couple reasons, One is to obviously raise some funds for CASA but also to make the community aware of what we are doing. And to show off our advocates who we believe are superheroes on behalf of these kids," Appel continued.
"I think CASA is really special because it allows us to really be the advocates, to really be there for the children that are really going through a very difficult time in their lives," said CASA volunteer Rachel Londeen-Laughnan. "I hope that people get involved either by donating or participating in the run. I know it is virtual, which is a little different, but that kinda allows for more people to get involved. And make it kinda a family event."
"I know there has been a lot of other events that have been virtual. So, I think getting your family involved, friends involved finding a fun new trail or route to go run on," Londeen-Laughnan continued. "Or donating if you don't want to participate in the run. I think there is a lot of different ways to get involved and to help the organization out."
"And If people don’t want to run or donate, we are certainly looking for more volunteer advocates. And we have our fall training session starting October 6th. And, it’s certainly not too late to sign up. So, that would be another way to participate," Appel concluded.
Click here for more information about CASA of Missoula.
