Cranford Couple Designs, Builds, Donates Life-Sized Playhouse

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford couple and business owners of TimberRidge Construction, Anthony and Lisa Carbone are donating a life-sized playhouse to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County to help them celebrate another year of advocating for the needs of Union County’s foster youth.

The pair will donate a custom, full-sized playhouse — complete with front porch, railings and scalloped detail— for live auction at the nonprofit’s gala Friday, Nov. 3 at Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains. The annual event serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser, enabling broader volunteer outreach to serve more local youth in care.

“I am thrilled the Carbones have taken on this exciting project. It was fun to see what they came up with and I can’t wait to see their talented team bring it to life," Marla Higginbotham, CASA’s executive director said. "I’m wishing my own children were still the age to enjoy a custom playhouse like this, and secretly wondering if instead it can be my own backyard retreat? Kidding, of course. But, maybe I can have a play date at the winner’s house?”

“When Marla first reached out,” Lisa Carbone said, “it was never a question of should we do this. The dialogue centered around, ‘How do we make this the best playhouse?’ Both Anthony and I have been familiar with the great work of CASA of Union County since we moved to Cranford in 2007. Any organization centered around a child’s best interest will always pull at our heartstrings! I personally am in awe of the unwavering passion and countless hours these volunteers put in to ensure the youth of Union County have a voice while in foster care.”

Since 2005, CASA of Union County has recruited, trained, supervised and supported volunteers to advocate for abused, neglected and abandoned children placed in foster homes or residential facilities. There are nearly 600 Union County youth in care, and half are still in need of CASA volunteer to be their constant and protect their best interests.

To learn more, contact Lisa Poris at 908-293- 8135. For gala tickets, call Lauri Masur at 973-696- 3783.

(Image via Court Appointed Special Advocates of Union County: Architect rendering of the CASA playhouse being built and donated by Anthony and Lisa Carbone and their firm, TimberRidge Construction in Cranford.)

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