one by one®: East Texas CASA
Established in 1992, the Longview, Texas-based nonprofit East Texas CASA has been dedicated to serving children in the foster care system in three surrounding counties for more than 30 years. The organization has a continuous need for compassionate volunteers to aid in this mission. Unfortunately, the nonprofit has faced certain challenges in reaching its goals. Among those challenges was a large fundraiser in need of reimagining. Enter a new event series beginning with the inaugural East Texas CASA Presents: Margarita Madness. Held in April, the event helped refocus attention on the nonprofit’s mission and highlight its current needs.
Reusable straw gifts included in goodie bags at Margarita Madness
Inspired by the viral 40 oz. tumbler trend, the new event featured refreshing margaritas to be sipped through straws available in goodie bags. The straws, purchased with a one by one grant, are part of a reusable straw gift set that includes a case and cleaning brush. With this creative twist, the team aimed to provide a fun and enjoyable event while raising awareness about their organization. Thanks to this new event series, East Texas CASA is better able to showcase its mission and needs. Its goal is to recruit and train volunteers to advocate for the best interests of local children and youth who are removed from their families due to abuse or neglect.
“CASA volunteers can make a huge impact on the trajectory of a child’s path,” said Jackie Starr, program director. “By spending time with children and families, advocates can make fact-based recommendations for what is in a child’s best interest.”
Successful event encourages volunteerism
The first East Texas CASA Presents event was a success, with attendees enjoying drinks while learning about the organization’s important work. With this event, East Texas CASA hoped to inspire more individuals to join its cause and become volunteers serving the children in their community.
“Our goal is to serve 100% of the children in foster care in Gregg, Rusk and Upshur counties,” Starr said. “The only way that we can meet that goal is to continue to recruit and train new volunteers. Together, we can ensure that each of these children has an advocate in their corner.”
A note from Cheryl
We are humbled to support organizations like East Texas CASA that advocate for young people in the community. We hope the one by one grant, used to buy reusable straw gifts, keeps the need for volunteers top of mind. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.