CASA for Children of Essex County to honor Montclair’s Patricia Devine-Harms at Gala

NEWARK, N.J. - Oct. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- (NEWARK, NJ),  Civic leader and community advocate, Patricia Devine-Harms will be honored at CASA for Children of Essex County’s, (CCEC)  third annual Ruby Red Shoe Ball.  Patricia is being honored for her work in the community that promotes child welfare and advocacy on Saturday, November 1.

The theme for the evening, “There’s No Place Like Home” will highlight the mission of CCEC, to promote the welfare of children removed from their homes because of child abuse, neglect or abandonment.  The event, loosely themed after the “Wizard of Oz” encourages guests of the program to wear red shoes, fashioned after Dorothy’s ruby red slippers.

"We are so proud to be honoring Patricia,” said Karen Burns, Executive Director of CASA for Children of Essex County, Inc.  “Our entire board and event committee has just been so humbled by her contributions and accomplishments.  We know she will inspire so many and we are thrilled to be able to shine a light on the work she has done.”

As a member of the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. (JLMN) and a long time supporter of CCEC, Patricia Devine-Harms has played a significant role in the lives of at-risk children in the state of New Jersey.

While serving as a past chairperson of the Junior League of New Jersey’s State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) she played a vital role in passing three human trafficking laws, including the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection and Treatment Act, which she helped draft.

“I have long admired the work of CASA for Children of Essex County and am hugely supportive of their work,” Patricia Devine-Harms said.  “Their volunteer advocates make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children every day.”

This will be Patricia’s fifth year leading a mentoring group for 10-16 girls in Newark.  Furthermore, this is her sixth consecutive year as chair for an award-winning education/career fair for over 100 foster children in Essex County.  Her recent board positions include: Partners for Women and Justice, Link Community School in Newark, and the HOMECorp Community Advisory Board.

“I have seen first-hand, the difference that mentoring can make for children at risk,” Patricia said. “This is vitally important work for our community.”

In the past, the event has raised about $50,000 each evening to benefit CASA for Children of Essex County.  This year’s event chairs are Betsey Beyer of the JLMN and Tracy Reilley, Vice President of CCEC.

The Ruby Red Shoe Ball will be hosted at the Green Brook Country Club of North Caldwell, NJ on Saturday, November 1.  Tickets are priced at $150 and sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,000.

For More Information, go to:  www.casaessex.org/rubyredshoeball2014.aspx or Contact: Rachel Simon at (973)-622-4832.