TYLER, Texas — What’s better than an atmosphere filled with food, face painting, balloon artists, a treat walk and more?
"For all of us to get together to take of these precious babies," CASA Executive Director Mary Jo Burgess said.
The Court Appointed Special Advocates for Kids of East Texas works to raise funds to support children who have experienced abuse and neglect and removed from their homes in Smith, Van Zandt and Wood counties. With the help of community volunteers, the organization identifies children's needs and connects them with support systems.
"There's so many kids in the foster system and so they've got to have somebody that can help them get through the most terrible time in their life, when they've been abandoned by other adults, and they need adults that can come beside and help them," Marilyn Walker said.
Tuesday was their annual fundraiser, “It takes a Village." Executive Director Mary Jo Burgess says the goal is to raise $80,000 in efforts to continue supporting foster kids and help them have the best chance of success and safety.
"We need everybody to help, and this is what lives all about and why we are here tonight," Burgess said.
Amongst that village, attendees like community leaders and government officials showed their support.
"We want to make sure they're in a safe and secure environment and that they understand that they are loved and that they have a great calling and pursue in their life, one that came from God, and these people here are making sure that that message gets through," Congressman Nathaniel Moran said.
And love is what will continue CASA’s mission to change the lives of children who have been abused or neglected. But, its starts with donating to support their volunteers.
"Volunteers can go out where the children are placed, check on them, make sure the placements are safe, and they go to court and report to court about how the children are doing and what service they need," Burgess said.
The organization aims to not leave any child behind.
"They deserve what every child deserves, a happy healthy future," Burgess.
If you are interested in supporting this cause, click here.