Dallas CASA is pleased to honor its longest serving volunteer advocate, Larry Dolan, with the prestigious Jan and Judge Barefoot Sanders Champion of Children Award at the Champion of Children Award Dinner on Thursday, October 15 at the Fairmont Dallas. The award is given annually to recognize community leaders who significantly improve the lives of youth in our community, particularly those whose lives have been marked by abuse, neglect or other adversity. The award is named for Judge Barefoot Sanders, a revered United States District Court judge for the Northern District of Texas, past award recipient and a steadfast supporter of Dallas CASA. His wife Jan was a longtime Dallas CASA volunteer and staunch advocate for children on the margins.

Larry Dolan is a steadfast volunteer advocate for children in foster care and one of Dallas CASA’s most enduring champions. Since becoming a Dallas CASA volunteer in 1997, he has served as a consistent, trusted voice for 169 children from 62 families, ensuring their needs and best interests are heard in court and beyond. As Dallas CASA’s longest-serving volunteer with nearly three decades of service, Larry is known for his unwavering commitment to the children he serves. In recognition of his extraordinary dedication and impact, Larry also is being honored with the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service in Austin in April this year, reflecting the profound difference he has made in the lives of Dallas’ most vulnerable children. Larry Dolan is truly a Champion of Children.

This year’s guest speaker is Jelani Freeman, an attorney, former foster youth and nationally recognized advocate whose life’s work is dedicated to improving outcomes for children in foster care. After entering the child welfare system as a child and experiencing multiple placements before aging out at 18, Jelani overcame significant challenges to earn multiple degrees, including a law degree, and build a career rooted in public service. Drawing on his own lived experience, he has become a powerful and compelling voice for vulnerable children, championing the importance of stability, support and advocacy. A former CASA volunteer, Jelani understands firsthand the profound impact one consistent, caring adult can have in a child’s life. Today, as a sought-after motivational speaker and leader in child welfare advocacy, he inspires others to take action and stand up for children in need. Jelani Freeman embodies resilience, purpose and the transformative power of advocacy.

To learn more about the 2026 Champion of Children Award Dinner or underwriting opportunities, please contact Asheley Jantz. Thank you for your generosity, continued support and for recognizing that child victims in our community need us now more than ever.

To view photos from the 2025 Champion of Children Award Dinner or event patron party, click through.