Essex CASA's Ruby Red Shoe Ball Returns

NEWARK, N.J. - Sept. 24, 2015 - PRLog -- On Friday, November 13^th, Court Appointed Special Advocates, (CASA) for Children of Essex County will honor: Christina Baker Kline, Cathy Gerwien Pinto, and Anthony “Chef Tony” Villanueva during its fourth annual Ruby Red Shoe Ball at Green Brook County Club in North Caldwell.

The three honorees were selected because of their involvement in advocating for abused and neglected children in foster care.  The annual event’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Home” will echo the organization’s mission to support its children until they are in safe and permanent homes or ready to live independently as adults.  The event celebrates the courage, heart and brains that CASA volunteers bring to their case children.  Guests are encouraged to break out their red shoes to help reinforce the evening’s theme.

“Each of this year’s honorees have a special place in the organization’s heart because of their selfless acts to give a foster child with less than promising circumstances a chance to thrive,” Karen Burns. Executive Director said.

In prior years, Essex CASA hosted this inspiring fundraiser in Newark and Montclair.  This is the second year it has been hosted at Greenbrook Country Club.  In addition to a being a fabulous evening out, the event will raise needed and critical money to fund the program’s direct advocacy efforts at CASA.

“CASAs truly make a difference.  The dedicated, one-to-one attention of a CASA Advocate is sorely needed for children whose lives have been so badly disrupted,” said honoree, Cathy Gerwien Pinto of Short Hills.

In the past, Pinto has served as Board President for Essex CASA and fostered 20 children over the years.  She continues to support the program in many ways.  She says she’s excited and proud to be recognized for her work on behalf of these children in need.

This year’s event chairs, Tracy Reilly and Jill Rosenthal are all too thrilled to celebrate the honorees with a night filled with wonderful guests and dancing.

“CASA changes lives – it’s as simple as that.  It’s an honor to be involved with this incredible organization,” honoree, Christina Baker Kline of Montclair said.

Kline is the author of five books, including New York Times Bestseller, Orphan Train.  The accomplished author learned about CASA during her research for Orphan Train and became incredibly impressed with its efforts in advocating for foster youth.

Every year, more than 2,000 children come into foster care because of substantiated cases of abuse, neglect, and abandonment.  The children referred to CASA are referred to the program directly from the presiding family court judge.

“CASA’s work helps create loving families just like my own.  I’m so proud to be able to contribute to such a valuable cause,” honoree Anthony Villanueva of Haledon said.

It wasn’t long ago when Mr. Villanueva himself was attending a CASA event, listening to the inspiring stories of CASA’s involvement.  He himself has come to the aid of a family member struggling to care for their child.  His support of foster children and CASA has been steadfast since that day.

Tickets to the Friday, November 13^th event start at $150 per person and sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,000.  The silent auction will be available to guests at the event and to the public beginning on November 2^nd.

For more information, please visit: https://www.501auctions.com/casaessex or contact Rakeem Mosey at (973)-622-4831 or rmosey@casaessex.org.