Over 100 volunteers came together to help organize, prepare, and give back to children in the OC foster care system at the annual CASA Back to School Picnic, now referred to as "John's Picnic".

Special shout out and recognition to volunteers from Laguna Woods led by Jeanne-Nicole Beyers & Myrna Shannon who helped organize a fundraising effort to cover the costs of the backpacks and supplies. Kid volunteers from the Lion's Heart-Teen Volunteers and Leaders from Mission Viejo were on hand to help out the team at Laguna Woods Village in stuffing all of the backpacks and loading them onto the u-haul to bring to the park.

The picnic itself was held at The Mile Square Regional Park and attended by over 150 matches (150+ CASA kiddos and 150+ CASA volunteers) who had a blast thanks to the volunteers and organization of folks from the John Engstrom Foundation.

Kids were able to play games and activities at the park that was supported by additional volunteers from the Pacific Life Foundation, Enlightened Heart Spiritual Center, Orange County Bar Association, Hyundai Capital America, and others. A special luau dance performance got the kids and advocates in the festive mood as their summer comes to an end and a new school year approaches on the horizon.

The picnic lunch this year was generously donated and catered by In-N-Out Burger, who supplied their famous truck that showed up and delivered tons of burgers, chips and drinks for everyone. Attendees were also treated to drinks courtesy of Maggie Loves Beans!

CASA of Orange County - Court Appointed Special Advocates is incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make this event so successful.

Photographs taken by Richard Becker