A MESSAGE FROM Sandy's Fundraising Page
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2/13 UPDATE #4: Well, you won't believe this (or maybe you will)... apparently I've raised more money than anyone else on the CASA marathon team so far, and in a record amount of time too! Thank you so much for your support to help me beat this record that I didn't even know existed! Now my truly competitive nature is being stirred up, so I've increased my goal again, this time to $7,500. And another exciting update - I've finally been assigned to a CASA case! It's so much more real now. I'm so looking forward to finally getting involved and hopefully making a lasting impact on someone's life.
1/13 UPDATE #3: We've almost met the new $4,000 goal!!! Incredible. I'm raising the goal now to $5,000 which would be amazing. It costs CASA of Cook County $2,500 to serve one child for one year—versus the tens of thousands of dollars spent by the child welfare system.
1/5 UPDATE #2: Seriously, this is so overwhelming and humbling. Within 14 hours, I'm just $60 short of the new $2,500 goal. So I've moved the goal post even further to $4,000. Thank you.
1/5 UPDATE #1: The response to this campaign has already been overwhelmingly generous, and my minimum goal of $1,750 was met in less than 12 hours! THANK YOU! I was not expecting this, and am so grateful. CASA's stretch goal is for each runner to raise $2,500 so I've now increased my fundraising goal accordingly. Thank you so so so much. I'm simply overwhelmed by your love and support.
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Thank you so much for considering a donation to my Chicago Marathon fundraiser for CASA of Cook County! This will be my first-ever marathon, and it means a lot to me to celebrate this momentous event during my first year as a CASA volunteer.
For those who have never heard of CASA, it is an invaluable nationwide advocacy program that provides a voice and support for children in the foster system.
Children in foster care have been removed from their homes to protect them. These kids have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect and are facing further trauma from the experience that is supposed to help and protect them. Any guidance for these children can be extremely beneficial in supporting their continued development and to preserve their self-esteem. That’s where a CASA volunteer comes in. They give these children hope and comfort while the parents, Court and others do what is necessary to make sure the child can be a in permanent, safe, and loving home.
Children that don't have an adult advocating for their best interest may have additional foster placements and be lost in an overwhelmed system. A CASA volunteer takes the time to understand the child and help guide decisions related to placements, behavior and overall well-being. The CASA helps ensure the child receives Court ordered services and will speak up if services should be added or altered. These youth need someone they can trust and a consistent presence during this time on their life. The CASA volunteer is that presence and brings hope to each child so they can see a brighter future.
I was recently sworn in as a CASA for Washoe County, Nevada on my 41st birthday (the photo is of me and my CASA badge in front of the courthouse!). I'm eagerly awaiting my first assignment, and to make a positive and hopefully long-lasting impact on a child's life. I'm truly honored to run my first marathon on behalf of such an important cause. I would be so grateful for you to support my fundraising efforts. No donation is too small!
PS - Let me know if you have any other questions about the CASA program. According to the national CASA website, there are around 407,000 kids in the foster care system on any given day. The program, these kids, and our society as a whole needs our help!
