Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Shelby County is preparing to hold its second annual online “silent” auction to prevent child abuse and neglect. The auction site, Casasilentauction.com, will launch for business on Monday, Nov. 11 at noon and end on Saturday, Nov. 16 at noon. All proceeds will benefit the abused and neglected children that CASA serves in part at the Patricia M. Smith CASA House in Columbiana.

“We have lake houses, beach get-a-ways, hotel stays across the state, sports event tickets, dining opportunities and more,” said Beth Chapman, CASA’s executive director.

In addition, there is a pontoon boat ride in Gulf Shores, a dining package for two at Bellini’s, a golf outing for four at Timberline and a day package for up to six—lunches included—at Montgomery’s Whitewater.

The featured package is a week-long stay in a 4-bedroom, 4-and-a-half bath gulf front condominium in Orange Beach. It has a large wrap around balcony with a hot tub overlooking the beach below, sleeps up to 12 and is one of that area’s premier places to stay.

CASA’s purpose is to recruit and train volunteers to go through the court process with abused and neglected children, teach parenting classes and provide supervised visits which may not be available otherwise. Their goal is to ensure that every child they serve has a safe and permanent home.

“CASA can always use money, but we need more volunteers too,” Chapman said. “If you have a desire to help abused children, you don’t need to be ‘qualified,’ we will qualify you through our extensive training program so you will be equipped to help them.”

Those interested in applying to be a CASA Volunteer may visit Casaofshelbycounty.org. At the website, visitors will find a volunteer application to complete and return. A staff member will then reach out to discuss further details and answer any questions applicants may have.

CASA is funded in part by the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama, a Shelby County Community Grant and fundraising events such as the auction.