CASA of Ohio Valley will kick off its second “No Show” Gala April 22-26 as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The fundraiser is a unique concept, allowing people to give over the course of a week with no need to buy an event ticket or special outfit, pay for a babysitter or even leave their house.
With no overhead associated with the fundraiser, 100 percent of the money raised will go directly to help abused and neglected children in Daviess County.
During the week of April 22-26, supporters can give online at www.casaov.org/noshowgala or mail or drop off checks to the CASA office at 415 St. Ann St. Owensboro, KY 42303.
“We have found over the years that contributors really want to feel like they are making a difference, and with no event costs they know every penny donated goes straight to the children we are committed to serving,” Executive Director Rosemary Conder said.
Invitations that specifically ask supporters NOT to come to the gala include a giving guide to help donors think about what they might contribute. For example, instead of spending $50 on a new pair of shoes, the same amount can be used to provide toiletries and a stuffed animal for a child being sent to a new foster home.
Instead of spending $150 on a tuxedo rental, the same amount can provide training for one new advocate. Instead of spending $300 on a dress, manicure and hair, the same amount can provide books, movies and games for CASA’s kids’ room at Family Court. And instead of spending $500 on all of the above, the same amount can provide on-going training and mentoring for five advocates who will help provide a safe, brighter future filled with hope for children in need.
“We saw great success last year and are looking forward to once again inviting members of our community to stay home – maybe even in pajamas – and give what they normally would spend to attend a gala, and know that all donations will be used to directly help kids,” Conder said.
As part of the No Show event, donors also are asked to post a photo of themselves on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram showing where they are or what they are doing while giving. Posts should tag CASA (on Facebook @CasaOfOhioValley, on Twitter @CasaOhioValley and on Instagram @CasaOhioValley) and include the hashtag #CASAnoshow.
