CASA Hosts Fundraiser at Turtle Back Zoo

Morristown, NJ—On Saturday, June 10th, 2023, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris and Sussex Counties hosted its fundraising event, “CASA at the Zoo.'' This year marks the 3rd year the nonprofit has hosted this special event.

Approximately 500 CASA supporters, foster children, trustees, staff, and volunteers came out for an evening of childhood curiosity beneath the stars at Turtle Back Zoo. With the Zoo reserved only for CASA, guests were free to explore unimpeded by lines or crowds, as they enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, snacks, carousel, train rides, the petting zoo, and the wonder of animals from around the world. Professional photographers were on hand to take family photos throughout the evening with the beautiful flamingos as the backdrop.

As in previous years, the goal was to raise unrestricted funds for CASA programs, and to highlight the importance of CASA’s advocacy for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Sponsorship support allowed CASA to provide tickets to over 100 children and foster families to attend the evening at the zoo. At least for one teenager, this was the first time she had been to a zoo, and she asked her CASA to take her photo with every animal they saw.

“We were excited to be able to host this event with the entire CASA family of loyal supporters, volunteers, staff, and board. Most importantly, we love that the children, youth, and foster families we support were able to enjoy the special evening. The money raised will help our organization to expand our programs and enhance the advocacy we provide to children in foster care,” said CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties’ Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Barsky Firkser.
Funds raised will go directly to support CASA’s mission to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who provide a voice in court to assure each child a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. Their next fundraising event (“Tee Off for CASA”) will be held on Monday, October 16th at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club.

About CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties
CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers to Change a Child’s Story. CASA volunteers advocate for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each child receives the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. For more information, visit www.casamsc.org or call
973-998-7590.