Mahoning County CASA recruits volunteers and donors for Nov. 14 fundraiser at Westside Bowl

# What the event is and why it matters

The nonprofit says proceeds will help with local recruitment and retention of volunteers and with providing on-going services. CASA also describes the event as a way to reintroduce the organization to the Mahoning County community while it builds a new board of directors and staff.

# What attendees can expect Expect a mix of entertainment and vendor activity geared toward families and community members. The program listed in local coverage includes:

• Live local musical acts: Okie Ross, Brood X, Beast Killer, Super Corrupter, Leo D'Angelo and the Dead Foxes, and Album.
• National touring act: Volk.
• Magician: Robert Lane, scheduled during the free-admission window.
• Vendors offering goods and gifts.
• Basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing, plus other event activities.

# County CASA does Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) trains volunteers to be appointed by judges or magistrates to advocate for children or sibling groups who are involved in the judicial or foster-care systems. Volunteers gather information by meeting people in a child's life and represent the child's needs and best interests in court, school and other settings.

Erin McGee-Hopkins, CASA's executive director, said the organization has served Youngstown since 1988 but that many community members aren't familiar with its work. She described the current phase as rebuilding the program with an all-new board and staff and said the fundraiser is key to introducing CASA to more people in Mahoning County.

# How to support beyond attending Groups or individuals who want to help can:

• Donate directly to the program via the organization's website.
• Register as a vendor (discounted prices apply for vendors who donate raffle items).
• Offer entertainment or services for the event.
• Volunteer with CASA in the longer term as a court-appointed special advocate.

# What to watch for next Event details and updates will be posted to CASA's Instagram and Facebook pages. The fundraiser is positioned as both a revenue-builder and a public outreach opportunity to recruit volunteers and expand the organization's governance and staffing.

If you plan to attend, consider arriving during the free window to sample vendor offerings and catch the magician, or come later to see the full music lineup and participate in raffles that support CASA's local services.