Were you at the Cherish the Children luncheon April 5? Dallas CASA supporters came together at The Fairmont Dallas to raise awareness and funds for the children we serve, and we’re still overwhelmed with gratitude.

A few notables:

  • We had 435 in attendance, a record-breaking crowd for the luncheon. Thank you to every attendee!
  • The luncheon netted a record-breaking $170,000, which will allow 85 more abused or neglected children to have adult volunteers by their sides as they navigate the child welfare system. Thank you for every single donation!
  • We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the luncheon, hosted by the Dallas CASA Children’s Council. Thank you for ten amazing years!
  • Our new text to donate option got people so excited there was not one but two matching gifts. Thank you for your texts!
  • We honored the group of women who founded Dallas CASA in 1979, the National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas Section. Thank you, NCJW Greater Dallas Section!

Speaker Casey Gerald told the crowd that his tough childhood wasn’t the end of his story because his community reached out to him and offered support, much like the support our amazing volunteers offer abused and neglected children every day.

“Just before I gave up, people stepped in and rolled up their sleeves and asked how they could help,” the Oak Cliff native and TED phenomenon said. “You may never know when you have stood in the spiritual gap with a child on the brink.”

A graduate of South Oak Cliff High School, Yale University and Harvard Business School, Gerald at age 12 was struggling as his mother left the family and his father battled drug addiction. But he cautioned attendees not to hold him up as an example to other kids going through tough times. For Gerald, being a survivor is the victory.

“No degree makes up for being unwanted. No amount of money can make you forget hunger pangs. Meeting no president makes up for not having your mother,” he said. “Not a single kid leaves behind those wounds of childhood.”

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful luncheon, and hope to see you next year!