CASA’s Evening of Elegance

Perhaps it’s the simple scarcity of elegance in our daily lives that generates such excitement and curiosity when it is on display. Conversation between celebrities and reporters is drowned out on Hollywood’s Oscars Night by such questions as “Who are you wearing tonight?” Meaning, of course, “Who designed your gown?”

While you won’t be asked who designed your outfit, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Denton County provides an annual Evening of Elegance in October. This year’s October 20 event marks the 25th anniversary of the gala, and is held at Bistecca, an Italian Steakhouse in Highland Village.

“Evening of Elegance is our signature fundraising event of the year,” explained Heather Johnson, Development Director at CASA of Denton County. “We are a non-profit organization dedicated to making sure that every child navigating the child welfare system after experiencing abuse and neglect has a CASA advocate amplifying his/her voice in the courtroom.

“Evening of Elegance kicks off our Fund A Child campaign. Money is raised through ticket sales and through a live auction of one-of-a-kind items. The campaign extends through the end of the year, which means people unable to attend Evening of Elegance may still donate,”

CASA of Denton County recruits, trains, and supervises approximately 200 volunteers each year to act as court-appointed advocates for the approximately 500 children who enter the child welfare system annually. On average, each child remains for 18 months.

There are a few important points to understand about CASA.

“When a child is removed from their home by Children’s Protective Services due to allegations of abuse or neglect, CASA visits those placements (outside the home) to make sure the child’s needs are met. Our CASA advocates function as impartial parties to the case, looking out for the best interests of the child and making informed recommendations to the court.

“Advocates are assigned one or two cases, and each advocate remains with that case(s) from beginning to end. The dollar cost for providing this level of advocacy (for one year) is approximately $2,500 per individual.”

Evening of Elegance is focused directly on Fund A Child, and this year’s event will be even more special since it is the 25th anniversary. Chef Morris Salerno, who’s been dedicated to the function since its presentation in 1999, is the distinguished Honorary Chair. The celebration begins at 6 pm with a wine reception in a beautiful outdoor space, followed by an indoor, five-course gourmet dinner. No one knows the menu until the plates are served by county judges and other elected officials. 

The unwavering support and success of Evening of Elegance is a testament to the human spirit and its innate goodness, to the core of human nature which is its generous desire to help those in need.