DAUPHIN COUNTY CASA ILLUMINATES “GIVING TREE” TO RAISE FUNDS FOR VOLUNTEER COURT ADVOCACY FOR FOSTER KIDS

CASA volunteers work to move foster children to safe, permanent homes

NEW: Inaugural Commemorative Ornament Designed by Foster Child

November 29, 2022

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (DC CASA) illuminated the star and lights on both a community “Giving Tree” and an online “Virtual Giving Tree” to launch the holiday season. This fundraiser, the 501c3 nonprofit’s largest event of the year, raises money to recruit, train and supervise volunteer court advocates for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. In any given month, more than 300 children are in the child dependency and delinquency system.

The Community Giving Tree, donated by Bill Hornung, owner of Hornung’s Hardware, can be seen outside American Legion Post 272 in Linglestown. Campaign donors can make their contributions and upload personal messages and photos on the Virtual Giving Tree at www.DauphinCountyCASA.org/tree. The campaign runs through December 31, 2022.

“Your gift to CASA at this magical time of year is essential. It enables us to fulfill our mission of representing the best interests of foster children in county court,” noted Corey Korinda, Esq., CASA executive director. “When you go online to donate, you can choose the light or ornament you wish to add to the Virtual Giving Tree and share a message and photo with the community. More importantly, you will know you have given a gift from the heart that lights the path forward for a local foster child.”

NEW FOR ’22: With an extra $30 donation, online donors will receive a first-ever Commemorative Ornament designed by an 8-year-old child served by DC CASA.

“Spread the joy of the season and help us ensure that children in the dependency and delinquency system can shine — thanks to the work of our dedicated CASA volunteers,” said Lori Serratelli, Esq., DC CASA founder and board president.

As the Premier Gold Star Sponsor, Mid Penn Bank lit the tree-topping ornament on the Giving Tree.

To come: A QUOTE FROM a MID PENN Bank Representative

Other major donors include Red and White Candy Cane Sponsor Dr. Susan DiSanto and the DiSanto Family; Green Globe Ornament Sponsor The Honorable Lori Serratelli and Serratelli Dispute Resolutions LLC: and The Robert H. Hoke American Legion Post 272 under Commander Ken Stambaugh.

Dauphin Co. Commissioner George Hartwick called on residents and businesses to contribute and consider it an investment in the limitless potential of these foster children.

To come:COMM. HARTWICK’S QUOTE

“We call this time of year ‘The Season of Light.’ When we think of the utter darkness and difficulties these foster children have endured, we are blessed to know that our contributions to the Giving Tree will make a real difference in uplifting the lives and spirits of these wonderful children,” remarked Comm. Hartwick.

Harrisburg Academy Vocal Music Director Michael Kastner and the Middle and Upper Schools Student Chorus provided musical entertainment. CASA Volunteer Kim St. Clair added that her work with these children has enriched her life in countless ways.

“It is in giving that we receive and that is so true when it comes to serving as a CASA for a foster child. My heart is full watching him/her move ever closer to being in a safe, permanent and loving home,” added St. Clair.

The Central Penn Business Journal chose Dauphin Co. CASA’s “Giving Tree” as the 2022 Nonprofit Innovation Award winner for Brand Identity/Unique Marketing Campaign. Please direct all sponsorship and donation inquiries to Corey Korinda, Esq. at 717-888-9973, or CLKorinda@dauphincountycasa.org.