Annual CASA fundraising event raises more than $3,000

There was no shortage of pinstripes, bobbed hair, long necklaces and cloche hats last Saturday as Pioneer Territory CASA hosted a “Roaring 20’s” fundraiser honoring Valley Electric Association.

Monies from the event benefits go directly to supporting CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which supports the rights of neglected and abused children.

Executive Director Willi Baer said the event raised more than $3,000 this year, from raffles and auctions, courtesy of auctioneer Ron Gipson.

“I think everybody had a good time and the food was really, really good,” she said. “The auction items were very good and we made roughly $2,000 off of the live auction. With the silent auction, we earned about $1,500.”

Aside from being a successful fundraiser, Baer bemoaned the fact that the attendance this year was lighter, compared to past events.

Several area judges were out of town, while longtime supporter Brian Kunzi had a previous engagement scheduled.

“We originally had it scheduled for May but there were a lot of things going on this year, including graduations and the Wild West Extravaganza, so we decided to move it to June,” she said. “There were several people who bought tickets but did not show up. Brian Kunzi was not able to make it because his daughter was getting married in Reno. Brian has been such a huge supporter for us over the years.”

This year, the organization chose a different theme for the event.

Previous fundraisers hosted a luau or Mardi Gras theme.

This year, CASA board members selected the “Roaring 20’s.”

Baer said the board will meet in July to plan for next year’s event.

“We will discuss which decade we want to go with as a theme,” she said. “I’m thinking that it would be kind of fun to do the 1940’s, because I don’t think we’ll do the 1930’s because that was the depression era and not really worthy of celebration.”

Additionally, Baer said the board will also consider rescheduling the date for next year.

“We’re going to have our board retreat on July 9, and at that time we will probably talk about it and make a decision,” she said. “I always include the board in all of those issues because it’s always been my contention that if it’s the wrong decision, I don’t want it to be my decision.”

Overseeing the evening was Vernon Van Winkle, Owner of KPVM TV 46 in Pahrump.

“Our emcee, Vernon Van Winkle, was terrific,” she said. “I thought of him kind of at the last minute, because if we can’t get an emcee, then it’s usually me and I think that’s so boring. I thought he did a great job and I liked the way he walked the room and engaged the audience.”

During the fundraiser Valley Electric Association District VI Director David Dawson accepted the honoree award.