There are a few events in our area that combine a magical evening with fundraising for a truly worthy cause . . . and the Foster The Dream Gala hosted by CASA of Union County is one such event. The 3rd annual gala is slated for Friday, November 6 at the beautiful Galloping Hill Country Club in Kenilworth, and the cause it supports is one you might not be aware of.

There are currently 542 Union County children in foster care, and the goal of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is to have one advocate for every foster child, and to ensure a permanent, safe environment for every child.

According CASA’s Development and Marketing Coordinator, Gretchen Boger-O’Bryan: “Right now, we serve about 25 percent of the county’s foster children. We all must undergo an extensive training and then be sworn in by a judge, who issues a court order allowing the CASA to access the parties in the youth’s life to ensure their needs are being met. Amazingly, CASAs do this unique and challenging work on a volunteer basis. There really are some great hearts out there.”

Gretchen wears many hats for CASA; she also serves as one of six advocate supervisors who oversee a team of volunteer advocates, while continuing to act as a court advocate herself. Her career in legal journalism shifted course after she began volunteering with CASA years ago. She says: “Given the role adoption plays in my life every day – my daughter and husband were both adopted – advocating for children in need and making them whole again is certainly a top priority.”

The Foster The Dream Gala is the largest annual fundraiser for CASA of Union County. Attendees of the gala will enjoy a cocktail hour, live entertainment, dancing, open bar, and an elegant multi-course dinner. A live and silent auction will feature some highly coveted items, from event tickets to gift certificates to hotel stays and more. If that’s not enough, the evening will be capped off by FIREWORKS that guests can watch from the balcony overlooking the golf course!

To purchase tickets for the gala, visit https://casauc.ejoinme.org/fosterthedream2015tics. And for more information on CASA an the many ways to volunteer or support future CASA events, visit www.casaofunioncounty.org.