CASA SEEKS FUNDS; RAFFLING PLAYHOUSE

The Court-Appointed Special Advocate Association, or C.A.S.A., is a non-profit organization of trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. C.A.S.A. is holding a raffle for a custom-made playhouse as well as five other prizes.RAFFLE TICKETS $1 each or 6 for $5PRIZES Playhouse (displayed at West Park Mall) Gift certificate from J.C. Penney Gift certificate from Zickfield Jewelers and Gift Box Computer software from Babbages Bakers rack from Heilig-Meyers Radio boom box from J.J. Williamson Allstate Insurance AgencyDRAWING Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.PURCHASE TICKETS AT Schnucks (anytime) West Park Mall at J.C. Penny court (times vary) Southeast MIssouri Hospital Foundation (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) J.J. Williamson Allstate Insurance Agency (8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

A little girl removed from her home and placed into foster care as a result of neglect by her parents has an advocate as her case moves through the legal system.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA volunteer speaks out for the best interests of the child. But the program in Cape Girardeau is facing a financial shortfall and hopes to raise operating money through the raffle of a "Home for the Holidays" playhouse.

The playhouse is on display at West Park Mall and will be awarded on Dec. 23. About $900 has been raised so far, but the goal is more than twice that amount.

Since 1995, CASA volunteers have helped at least 25 children a year. Twenty-eight CASA volunteers are trained and available. Currently 10 have active cases, said J.J. Williamson, president of the CASA organization.

For the little girl removed from her home, a CASA volunteer recommended court termination of parental rights and later advocated that she be adopted by her foster family, which happened, and the child is thriving in a happy home.

"At one time we had a full-time coordinator," Williamson said. "But now we don't have a coordinator, and we have very limited funding."

To operate at full speed, the organization needs $15,000 a year. CASA receives United Way funding, but most of its budget comes from community donations.

The playhouse raffle is one way to raise money.

The playhouse was designed by St. Louis architect Brian Pansing. General contractors are Keifner Brothers Construction. Also assisting were Kelso Supply, R&R Awning, Slinkard Painting Co., Nip Kelley garage, Sign Master, Mike Grace Photography, and West Park Mall.

"CASA volunteers do a lot of good work," said Chuck Stotz, treasurer of the organization. "Someone has got to speak for the child, and that's what we do."