Our CASA Volunteers Rock! We Celebrated Them with a Festival.

The CASA of Lexington Fall Festival last week celebrated all of CASA volunteers in CASA of Lexington’s seven counties and the amazing work they do for abused and neglected children.

CASA volunteers and their families enjoyed a free cookout with games, gifts, awards and prizes.

“Each CASA volunteer improves the lives of more than two children every year on average,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the nonprofit. “They are dedicated coming up with solutions to tough problems and making sure these kids get the best possible outcomes. They deserve a whole lot more thanks than we can ever give them!”

Bourbon County CASA volunteer Judy Kendall was honored with the Debbie LaBoone Volunteer of the Year Award. Kendall, who is retiring from CASA work this year, was Bourbon County’s first CASA volunteer and has advocated for nine children since 2017.

In Kendall’s final CASA case, she was matched with a teen girl whom no one had been able to connect with. Through her visits with the girl, Kendall forged a bond that will continue long after she is no longer the girl’s official CASA volunteer.

“The difference for so many children is having that one person who believes in them, who gives them hope, and who stands up for their needs when no one else does,” Jamison said.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of Debbie LaBoone, a CASA of Lexington volunteer who advocated for five children over two years, before passing away from cancer. LaBoone’s husband remains a strong supporter of the organization his wife loved.

Here are the rest of the annual awards presented at the Fall Festival:  

-          Most Miles Driven: Susan Bukowski (3,122 to date)

-          Above and Beyond for Continuing Education: Priscilla Miller and Linda Baker

-          Above and Beyond for a New Volunteer: Brenna Cain

-          Above and Beyond for a Veteran Volunteer: Ute Keathley

-          Above and Beyond for a Friend of CASA: Cassie Bottoms

-          Excellent Advocacy: Anne Jones, Kellye Cole and Barbara Phipps

-          Exemplary Court Reporting: Kelly Sampson

-          Compassionate Connection Award: Charlene Floyd

To learn more about CASA volunteering or make a donation, visit www.casaoflexington.org.