CATCHING FOR CASA, FISHING TOURNAMENT

For Max Rodriguez, Pete Martinez and Ross Netherton, fishing at John Martin Reservoir on Saturday May 16 filled their wallets as well as their hunger; each received a $200 prize in adult class of the CASA (court appointed special advocates) fishing tournament. Zach Ramsey, Hunter Cowen and Rugger Stocking each pulled in $50 for their prize catches in the children's class.

Prior to the tournament, students in the Elementary and Junior High school in Lamar gathered dollars for CASA. Rugger Stocking gathered $110 and won four tickets to Elitch Gardens Theme Park, two Casa Bonita Restaurant dinner tickets and a free overnight stay in Denver. Bryson Cowen rounded up $69 and Arionna Brandenburg brought in $60; they each won four tickets to Water World plus a free overnight stay.

“Jammin' Jerry”, a talented guitar and Banjo player, entertained the crowd after the fishing festivities. Jerry’s musical history includes entertainers like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck and Freddy Fender. He received recognition from President Bush for his song “Freedom”.

T-shirts and caps with CASA logos were available. Everyone feasted on hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad and drinks. After all, fishing is hard work.

Other community donations, including dollars as well as items-in-kind for door prizes, came from Arkansas Valley Optometry, Mr. D's, Robinson Printing, KLMR and 36 other business throughout the southeast Colorado area. (A special thank you to P. J. Wilson). CASA operates from office space donated by P. J. and Brenda Wilson, Wilson Insurance Services, in Lamar.

A Seattle, Washington judge started CASA in 1977. By 1990, US Congress passed the Victims of Child Abuse Act which supported the expansion of CASA programs. According to the CASA tournament brochure, “...CASA has grown to a network of more than 59,000 volunteers that serve 243,000 abused and neglected children through 900 ‘+’ local program offices nationwide. Our volunteers, also known as court appointed advocates, are appointed by judges and act as officers of the court. Judges rely on the information these trusted advocates present.” More detailed information on this worthy organization will follow later in a more detailed article.

CASA volunteers cover the 15th, 16th and 3rd Judicial Districts which include the following counties: Cheyenne, Kiowa, Prowers, Baca (15th); Crowley, Otero, Bent (16th); Huerfano, Las Animas (3rd).

CAS A needs volunteers. If you can give two to four hours a week helping neglected and abused children find their way to a better life, please call Shelly Tombleson at 719.688.3245, Brianna Bourne at 719.468.3687 or Virginia Solano at 719.468.3688.