Event Chairs and CASA Board Members: Karen Jordan & Jassel Kaye

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: 
Matthew Wadlinger
Chief Strategy Officer
714-619-0646
mwadlinger@casaoc.org

CASA Celebration Dazzles with Studio 54 Themed Party & Raises over $1.114 Million for Youth in Foster Care

Orange, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County hosted their annual CASA Celebration on Friday, May 17, at the stunning Pendry Newport Beach. The event drew 270 dedicated supporters, united in their mission to connect abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Orange County with trained volunteer advocates. This year's gala surpassed all expectations, netting over $1,114,000 and exceeding budget goals.

The enchanting evening was expertly chaired by two long-standing CASA supporters and Board Members, Karen Jordan and Jassel Kaye. Guests were welcomed to a vibrant, glittering cocktail reception that featured a silent auction with 34 exquisite items. The live auction, highlighted by exclusive jewelry sponsor Lugano Diamonds, offered exceptional experiences, including a seven-night luxury getaway to New York City, complete with a helicopter ride to the Hamptons for VIP access to the Hampton Classic Horse Show and an exclusive dinner.

Upon entering the ballroom, guests were transported to the glamorous world of disco, thanks to the dazzling transformation by Elite OC Productions. Regan Dean Phillips, CASA CEO, delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the critical importance of meaningful connections in a child's life and the pivotal role CASA volunteers play when a child's family cannot provide that support. The "Celebration Studio 24" illuminated the remarkable contributions of individuals and corporations whose unwavering support is essential to CASA's services. 

This year, CASA honored Todd Vande Hei, CEO and President of STARK, with the Outstanding Corporation award, and Judge Gail Andler (Ret.) with the Children’s Champion award. Both awards recognize exceptional dedication and support for CASA’s mission. Honorees shared personal stories that underscored the power of family and meaningful connections, and their profound impact on shaping young lives. Vande Hei and Andler, both CASA Board Members, were celebrated for their extraordinary commitment to advocating for vulnerable children in the community.

Among the highlights of the evening’s events, CASA’s longest serving volunteer, Pat Cahill, was honored as this year’s Advocate of the Year. Introduced by the Presiding Judge of Orange County Juvenile Court, Judge Craig Arthur, Pat shared stories from her 28-years of experience as a volunteer. “I could talk to you all night about all the children I was blessed to work with over the past 28 years, but I will leave you with this:  All these children need someone to provide consistency in their lives. I have witnessed how social workers, attorneys, staff, and therapists go in and out of their lives, but their CASA is always there, walking alongside them and being their rock. My role for mine has also been to teach them to trust again. I let the staff have control of the rules; I just gave them attention and the time to be a child.  My kiddos learn from me: where you go, I go because I am your VELCRO.” Pat was surprised on stage by one of her former CASA youth at the conclusion of her speech.

Auctioneer Chuck Dukas revved up the crowd for the annual Fund the Mission paddle raise which raised over $500,000 with donations from event guests ranging from $100,000 to $100. 

This year’s Sapphire Sponsors were Lucy Donahue, Karen Jordan, Jassel and Michael Kaye, Manly, Stewart and Finaldi, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, Rohani Family Foundation, and Sweet James Accident Attorneys. Underwriters included Lugano Diamonds as the Official Jewelry Sponsor, Larry and Wendy Tenebaum as the Cocktail Reception Sponsor, Hodge & Schuyler Family Foundation as the Main Dining Room Floral Sponsor, Los Defensores as Mobile Bidding Sponsor, CNC Engineering as Invitation Sponsor, Returning Home Foundation as Printing Sponsor, Mike and Wendy Wiley as Bar Sponsor, MaxMara South Coast Plaza as Wine Sponsor, European Collectables as Automotive Showcase Sponsor, and Paul Fenner Floral Design as Cocktail Floral Sponsor.

About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA OC) provides a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. CASA volunteers are a crucial intervention to help ensure safety, speed up permanent placement, help children and youth thrive in school, and support positive health outcomes.  A CASA volunteer is often the only consistent adult in a child or youth’s life who is not paid to support and advocate for them. The CEO of CASA OC since 2017 is Regan Dean Phillips, Esq., MSW. Chair of the Board of Directors is Michael Wong, President & CEO, Genea. CASA is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.  It is a member of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children. Please visit casaoc.org to learn more.

Advocate of the Year, Pat Cahill & CASA CEO, Regan Dean Phillips

CASA OC Board Members

Advocate of the Year | Pat Cahill

Children's Champion | Judge Gail Andler (Ret.)

Outstanding Corporation | STARK