Maryland CASA's 2014 Sunsets and Safe Harbors Event a Success aboard the USS Constellation

Maryland CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Association – a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring the rights of all victims of child abuse and neglect to grow up in safe, permanent homes – presented Sunsets & Safe Harbors, its third annual fundraising gala, Saturday, September 6th, aboard The USS Constellation in Baltimore.

Chaired by Angela Lunczynski-Hamilton (Maryland CASA board member and procurement manager for Coca Cola Refreshments, USA), the event drew 150 guests for a night of dinner, dancing and near 360 degree views of Baltimore’s historic harbor.

Director of Promotions and Special Events, Laura Givens, worked with Maryland CASA to secure the use of the Constellation at a discounted rate. “The USS Constellation made for an amazing back drop for the 2014 Sunsets and Safe Harbors event,” said Lunczynski-Hamilton. “Mother Nature gave us a bit of a fit, but people really seemed to take it in stride.” Topping the list of sponsors supporting the 2014 Sunsets and Safe Harbors Event were Atlantic Remodeling Group (Tall Ships Sponsor) and Johns Hopkins University & Medicine (Clipper Ships Sponsor), both of whom contributed to the event’s success.

Absolutely Perfect catered the event and their wonderful staff helped with the set-up and breakdown of the event. Despite the challenging weather, Matthew Metzbower’s crew and their services were just as their company’s name suggests, “Absolutely Perfect.”

DJ Kevin Silate’s eclectic mix of tunes and laser lights got people out on the dance floor, and the auction, with its variety of items including art, dining, entertainment, sports and travel items, held the attention of anxious bidders. All of the fabulous prizes were donated by community businesses, retailers and sports/tourist venues.

Ed Kilcullen, state director of Maryland CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Association, shared in the accolades, stating: “We were thrilled with the level of support for the Sunsets & Safe Harbors event and the enthusiasm from our guests.”

The event raised approximately $27,000, which will support Maryland CASA’s efforts to recruit additional volunteers to serve more of the state’s most vulnerable children. “We are so grateful to everyone who came out in support of our mission to help children in Maryland’s foster care system find safe and permanent homes, added Lunczynski-Hamilton. “We hope to see everyone again next year, and that many of you will find the calling to be a CASA.”

About Maryland CASA

Maryland CASA Association is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring the rights of all children to safe, permanent homes. This mission is carried out in partnership with fifteen local CASA programs throughout the state, which recruit, train and supervise volunteers appointed by the court to serve as advocates for children under court protection due to abuse and neglect. Currently, CASA serves children in 20 of the state’s 24 jurisdictions. For more information, please visit

www.marylandcasa.org.