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There’s No Place Like Home! The nonprofit Voices for Children – Court Appointed Special Advocates will host its annual signature fundraising event “Change a Child’s Story Gala" that links a Wizard of Oz theme with its mission to provide a safe and permanent home for Brazos Valley foster children. “That may not be home home, maybe a place like home,” says Kristi Lester, Voices for Children’s recruitment and events coordinator. “It may be with relatives, maybe with someone in the foster care community, maybe a teacher or grandparents — just to make sure that the kids get to where they need to be to find a permanent safe place.”
The gala will feature dinner, drinks, a live auction, and more. “‘Change a Child’s Story Gala has always … had a specific theme each year of a classic children’s story book,” Lester says. “We’ll have some Wizard of Oz characters in and out the place during the event.”
For the first time, the gala’s auction will not be centered around art, but rather, life experiences. This year, the live auction will feature some “fantastic destinations and wonderful experiences as our auction prizes,” Lester says. “We’re so excited!”
In addition, guests can purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win Design & Dine, donated by David Gardner’s Jewelry and The Republic Steakhouse. The winner will receive a private jewelry design experience and dinner for two.
“We’ve been really blessed to be able to put together packages that were mostly donated from businesses and community members,” Lester says. “The money that we get from sponsorships and the funding portion of the event enables us to continue to advocate for the children who need us most.”
Five businesses and individuals will be honored at the event for having “made a monumental impact in the lives of children in our community,” according to information provided by VFC. The 2022 Change a Child’s Story Gala Advocate Recipients are:
- Voices for Children Champion for Children Award: Stylecraft Builders
- Ronnie Jackson Friend of Children Award: BCS Together
- Bonnie Wikse Advocate of the Year Award 2021: Linda Timmerman
- Bonnie Wiske Advocate of the Year Award 2022: Christi Parham
- Judy Winn Foster Parents of the Year Award: Charlotte Hoover and Leesa Donaho
According to the VFC, 231 volunteers served 597 children and 333 families, attended 1,216 court hearings, and provided 11,406 hours of services. Outcomes for children served include: 85 returned home, 73 returned to a family member, and 28 were adopted or placed permanently with a non-relative.
Voices for Children - CASA “Change a Child’s Story” Gala
- Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
- Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, 801 University Drive East, College Station
- General tickets: $175
- Raffle tickets: Single $30, four for $100
- Sponsor tables: $1,500 to $2,000
For more information, visit vcbrazos.org/gala.
