Merced County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is preparing for an evening of music and entertainment to raise funds for foster youth in the area.
The upcoming event, featuring “The Killer Dueling Pianos,” announces a night of fun, food and philanthropy, all in support of CASA’s mission to advocate for children in foster care.
On Sept. 14, at the Los Banos Fairgrounds’ O’Banion Building, CASA of Merced County will present “The Killer Dueling Pianos” fundraiser. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with no-host cocktails, followed by a sit-down dinner catered by Heritage Custom Catering at 7 p.m.
The highlight of the evening, a lively performance by Ryan Bueter and Donnie Scott of “The Killer Dueling Pianos,” begins at 7:30 p.m. Guests can participate in the show by tipping the performers to play their favorite songs, with all tip money going back to CASA.
Behind the coordination of the event is Cathie Lancaster, Executive Director of CASA of Merced County. During an interview with Lancaster, she explained how she wanted to organize something different and engaging for the community.
A few years ago, she saw “The Killer Dueling Pianos” perform in Merced. She said, “I stayed and talked to them afterwards, and they were familiar with CASA and said they do fundraisers.” After their interaction, she arranged to bring them over to the Westside, allowing Los Banos and surrounding areas to enjoy their entertainment.
In addition to the piano show, the evening will feature a live auction with an assortment of items up for bid. One of the surprises planned is a gift-card auction game called “Real Steal,” where the stakes get higher as the game progresses. “There will also be a couple of trips and a designer purse filled with gift cards for various activities around the valley,” she said.
CASA of Merced County is dedicated to recruiting, training and supervising volunteers who serve as advocates for children in foster care. “An advocate is a sworn officer of the court,” Lancaster said. “Their job is to provide the juvenile court judge with an independent assessment of the circumstances of the child.” The detailed reports generated by CASA volunteers are based on evaluations and interviews with key figures in the child’s life, as well as time spent with the child themselves.
With more than 600 foster children currently under the care of Merced County, the need for CASA’s services is substantial. However, there are currently only 130 advocates serving approximately 140 foster youth, leaving many children without the support they need.
“Not every foster child needs an advocate, but some need them really badly,” Lancaster said in regard to the ratio of advocates to foster children. “Our goal is always to increase the number of volunteers we have so that we can increase our services and provide for more children.”
Beyond fundraising, CASA is actively seeking community support in various forms. If people can’t volunteer directly, they can help recruit others, spread the word about their mission or participate in similar events to the upcoming fundraiser. People may also provide additional services to offer for the children. “If people think outside the box and come up with an idea they think would be wonderful for us, I’m more than happy to hear it,” Lancaster said.
One area where CASA sees a particular need is in recruiting male volunteers. “We have a lot of young men out there that could use a male advocate in their life,” Lancaster said, “They don’t volunteer as easily as women.”
Regardless of gender, age or employment status, CASA welcomes all volunteers who are committed to making a difference. “You just have to have the heart that wants to help foster youth,” Lancaster said.
The “Killer Dueling Pianos” fundraiser is an opportunity for the community to come together for a night of fun and to support a cause. By attending the event, participants will help CASA continue its work of advocating for the rights and well-being of foster children in Merced County.
For more information about the event or to learn how you can support CASA, visit their website or contact their office directly.
