CASA/GAL of Montana - Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children

Forgotten Children Campaign in Full Swing in Missoula

CASA of Missoula's Forgotten Children Campaign is in full swing this October. LaNette Diaz, CASA of Missoula Executive Director, has set a goal to raise $10,000 by the end of October. On October 1, a Kick-Off celebration was held at the Missoula County Courthouse. Since then, CASA of Missoula has continued their push to raise funds with their "Dine Out for an Abused Child" event. To date, over $3000 have been raised. Diaz has noted the success of the Campaign not only in raising funds, but in raising awareness. She stated, "With the awareness of our program we have 20 volunteers in our Fall training!"

Park-2-Park Montana Finishes Strong

The Fifth Year of Park-2-Park was a great success thanks to the work of riders, local programs, and the Park-2-Park logistics team. Links to media coverage from the ride can be found at the Park-2-Park Montana site. Professional photographer Paul Bussi was present for the entire week and has begun to upload photos from the ride at the Ideal Photography website.

The support from local CASA programs across Montana was fantastic with CASA educational talks and meals provided throughout the ride. Jerie Paulk, a CASA volunteer and adoptive parent, spoke to the riders in White Sulphur Springs. Her personal story and experiences working through the child welfare system were a highlight of the daily "CASA moments," as described by Executive Director Ellen Bush, on the ride.

The ride has raised $40,000 so far, but final numbers have not been reported yet. CASA continues to receive checks and donations after the ride.

P2P 2009 Riders

Park-2-Park Montana riders take a break on their last
day of riding to pose beside the Yellowstone River.

P2P Riders

Troy Charbonneau and Stacie Panell lead a group of Park-2-Park riders.

Charity biking between Glacier, Yellowstone

Dozens of bike riders are hitting the open road -, a lot of roads, in fact - to raise money for a good cause.

It's the Park-2-Park Montana Fundraiser, and it has 40 bike riders cycling between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

CASA Raises Funds and Awareness across Montana
Congratulations to the many successful CASA fundraisers!

Billings—Yellowstone CASA hosted a Garden Party and Cheesecake Soiree this past June at DanWalt Gardens in Billings. Attendees were taken on garden tours and then participated in both live and silent auctions. The celebration reflected the event’s slogan that, “Children, like flowers, need nurturing to grow!” Also in June, Yellowstone CASA held their annual Golf Scramble at the Lake Hills Golf Course.

Conrad—Frontrange CASA raised $1,525 auctioning a playhouse built by Jeff Sullivan, husband to Executive Director Kiersta Sullivan. Sullivan stated, “We learned a lot. We need more tickets to sell next year. We timed it to go with Conrad Whoop Up Days and had the playhouse in the parade and at the rodeo. We sold out of tickets on the first day of the rodeo!” A local farmer won the playhouse for his granddaughter.

Great Falls—CASA-CAN hosted an inaugural Golf Tournament on July 12, where 25 teams teed off. The event was the brainchild of N.E.W. employees and was coordinated by Dewey Goering of that company. Dewey said, “We had a great time and while we were at it, we helped support children that CASA-CAN serves.” Dinner was served to hungry golfers, prizes were awarded and 50-50 winnings were donated back to the program. CASA-CAN raised new dollars and new friends. CASA-CAN also held a Stay-at-Home Garden Party, sending out packets of wildflowers to potential donors and encouraging recipients to “Mail us a check for what you would normally spend on a ticket to a formal fundraiser…then the evening’s yours to spend as you like.”

Helena—CASA-Advocates for Kids raised over $2,500 at the 8th Annual CASA Run/Walk in April. To celebrate the Light of Hope that same month, CASA-Advocates for Kids distributed candles throughout the Helena area in recognition of Child Abuse and Neglect Month. The 10th Annual Quasi-Annual Doney Law Firm Charity Golf Tournament was held this August at the Fox Ridge Golf Course with all proceeds going towards the local CASA program.

Kalispell—12 skiers raised $3,400 in support of CASA for Kids at its 2nd Annual Ski Day at Maverick Mountain. Many thanks go out to the sponsors: Maverick Mountain, Montaqua and Nature's Path.

Miles City—Eastern Montana CASA/GAL of Miles City raised awareness and support for foster children through the Forgotten Children’s campaign. The campaign featured life size stand-up displays with actual messages from foster children set up outside court houses in Eastern Montana and even at the State Capitol in Helena.

Missoula—CASA of Missoula raised $24,000 at the annual 2009 Light of Hope banquet, increasing contributions from the previous year.

CASA of Montana Welcomes New Board Officers

Joyce Funda, a certified mediator with an office in Kalispell, and a lawyer licensed in New York State, is the new President of the Board of Directors for CASA of Montana in Helena. Ms. Funda also serves as a CASA volunteer in Flathead County, was recently elected as Vice Chair of the Montana State Library Commission, and is a member of the Lake County Planning Board. She lives in Rollins, Montana.

Joyce’s vision in her new role includes the active participation of CASA Program Directors across the state to serve on Board committees, a refocus on the State Board’s mission, and providing a significant connection between National CASA and the local programs.

Former President. Ann Gilkey, chief counsel for the Office of Public Instruction, stepped down July 24 after almost three years as the head.

Former state auditor John Morrison of Helena is the new Vice President. The new CASA of Montana Treasurer is Tricia Schiltz , fiscal bureau chief for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Schylar Canfield, a former foster child and a recruiter for Montana Tech of Butte, continues as secretary. The 14-member state board includes members from across the state with various skills and includes three local program directors.

The board meets quarterly to set policy, review financial reports, and set the budget and long range planning. The board plans a retreat in October.

Park-2-Park Montana Rider Troy Charbonneau featured in the Billings Gazette

Troy Charbonneau, Sheriff's Deputy of Billings, is a three-time returning Park-2-Park Montana rider. He has been a top fundraiser the past two years and is in gear to continue that trend in this September's upcoming ride.

Recently, Troy was featured in the Billing's Gazette as a Park-2-Park rider. As a Deputy, Troy has witnessed situations where children face abuse and neglect. He describes why he got involved with the CASA fundraiser ride, "I remember thinking, 'Who is the voice for this baby?' " Click here to read the full article.

Check out the Fall 2009 Montana Advocate Newsletter
to find out more CASA news.