Weekend CASA fundraiser a hit in Plains
Craig Barton of ‘Bret and Barton’ taking the lead vocals during this rendition of Sammy Kershaws ‘Third rate romance’
Brett Barber of ‘Bret and Barton’, entertaining the crowd with a combination of old rock and country classics
Mary-Lou Hermes local Puppateer posing with her original Puppet case handed down from her mother the original Puppateer Master of the family
Judy (left) and Emily (right) Subatch where having a great time at the CASA Fundraising event
Local Lion Dwyane gives some encouragement to Marissa Young (left) and Emily Subatch (right) as they play the ring toss
Local Lions Club President Dwayne Highcrane (left) and club secretary Anita Marsh (right) keep busy with the kids at the games booth.
Young Emery Banovich watches as her ping pong ball goes into the fish bowl at the Lions game booth during the CASA fundraising event in Plains Saturday. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Ivan McCarthy having a winning run at the Lions Club game booth
The Banavich Family of Pheonix Ariz., enjoying the afternoon in the park at the CASA Event. Left to right are Emery (4), Nick, Grayson (1) and Katie. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
CASA Advocate Volunteers Becky Azure (left) and Linda Wilson (right) were sharing plenty of smiles with event goers
Director of CASA Ann-Marie McNeal (left) and V.P. of CASA Peg McCarthy (right) These ladies enjoyed plenty of smiles at their Sanders County Fundraiser
There was a beavy of silent auction items up for grabs for all event goers to take part in
Former CASA Volunteer and Hot Spring resident Elizabeth Retallick enjoying the band during the fundaraiser at Plains Pool Park.
Lions Club Member Don Reguleiski getting set to have fun with the kids at the Lions games booth.
Plains residents came out Saturday night to enjoy each other’s company at the CASA Fundraiser at Plains Pool Park.
“The money raised today is going to support those advocate volunteers that support the many kids who need their help for a better future,” said Ann-Marie McNeal, Director of CASA branch in Sanders County.
Other than the Chilli Festival they hold early within the year, the funds are to help those advocates that on average work 10 hours per case each month. In some instances, advocates can work up to two or three cases within the month.
The advocates are there to fully support the children, who sometimes leave their home to receive better care. In some cases, the children may be moved out of the county to a specialised treatment cenere that is not offered in Sanders County. These advocate volunteers are there to support the children, first and foremost, before anyone else.
Sometimes a thankless job in the main stream of things, but with approximately 10 children within the Plains catchment area at any time, it is vital that these volunteers are here to help.
It is not only Sanders County that is considered in this fundraiser, but it is also a branch of Lake County. With that, the catchment of children becomes much larger.
“There can be up to 70 kids at any given time, thats why we need to help raise money to aid in the organizational costs,” explained McNeal.
Plains local Peg McCarthy, the Vice Presidant of this branch of CASA, was also a director for the event.
McCarthy was able to secure a number of entertainment activities as well as a silent auction with something for everybody to bid on.
Ripples Ice-Cream also donated to the event, as did McGowans Grocers, to keep event-goers cool in the warm afternoon sun.
As the event kicked off, families were treated to a one-of-a-kind, back-in-time-styled puppet show, put on by Mary-Lou Hermes.
“My mother began the puppet love in the family and passed them down to me,” Hermes said. “She was a teacher and, in 1920, her eighth-grade students made these puppets with her. From the puppets to the stage, backgrounds, and furniture, they’re all original.”
Though it did get a little warm for Hermes and her helpers, it was hard to tell as they all beamed ear to ear after the show was complete. Just like any entertainer that has graced the stage, the thrill of a show is one that can be distinctly seen.
The age of the antique puppets can give anyone a thrill, looking at the craftsmanship, but Hermes said it had been a good 20 years since they had been out of their antique travel case to perform.
“We would love to do another show for anyone in the community,” said Hermes. “Everyone that has helped with this show is all apart of a small theatre club here, and we would certainly welcome anyone who is interested in joining,” she added.
Though it wasn’t all about the kids, the local Lions Club did set up a small games booth.
One young family took part in nearly every activity. That was the Banavich family, who came up to visit from Phoenix Arizona. Nick Banavich said that it was great to combine their vacation with seeing family, and especially supporting his grandma Peg at her event.
“We have all had a great time today, and it’s great to take part in this fundraiser here in my home town,” said Banavich.
With two young kids in tow, it was definitely an afternoon of relaxation and fun as mom Katie took to the games booth with her 4-year-old, Emery.
With games and ice cream to keep the kids entertained, moms and dads could either join in or take a seat and listen to some great music by Bert + Barton.
From classic rock and roll to country music, there is no doubt that everyone could name a few favourites off the playlist that afternoon.
Elizabeth Retallick came down from Hot Springs to enjoy the afternoon. She most certainly enjoyed the music as she sat front row and sang along to the songs she knew. She also took the opportunity to sample some of Ripples Ice-Cream and added toppings from McGowans as the shade provided a cool cover while the music rang through the park.
“I was a CASA volunteer in Kalispell a long time ago, I don’t think people in the community truly realise the good CASA does here for these kids,” said Retallick.
Now, she travels within the county to support all those charitable fundraisers for children.
She has continued her reach out in her town, ‘Helping Hands Up’, is her way of continuing her volunteer work to those in need.
“Caring, Love, Kindness and Hope are so important, and we need more of it,” said Retallick.