Clatsop CASA’s March 2nd Celebration 2007 at the Astoria Holiday Inn Express was a huge success, raising over $26,000 to provide advocacy services to Clatsop County’s abused and neglected children.

The spill-over crowd of 140 dined on local delicacies including Fulio’s sausage pasta, Eric Jenkins’ prawn kabobs, Dooger’s clam chowder, and the Cannery Cafe’s salads and “Gunderbuns.” Guitarist David Crabtree and vocalist Kaya McGrath provided the evening’s entertainment.

State Senator Betsy Johnson raised $8,000 in donations in under 10 minutes, beginning with her own $1,000 contribution to support CASA services to Clatsop County children, followed by $1,000 donations from local residents June Spence, Ann Lederer & Scott Reuter, and Norm & Holly Stutznegger. An enthusiastic audience responding to Senator Johnson’s appeal quickly met her $8,000 goal.

Bradwood Landing joined the 2007 CASA All Stars with a $5,000 corporate donation to the Celebration. Generous sponsorships were also provided by the Astoria Kiwanis, Wauna Federal Credit Union, Astoria Builders, Astoria Ford, Bank of Astoria, Essential Mortgage, Fidelity National Title, Main Street Loan, Lum’s Auto, Teevin Bros., TICOR Title, US bank, Warrenton Fiber, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Silent auction items included a mint condition 1988 Volvo, picnics for 75-100 people, hotel and restaurant certificates, legal services, beautiful jewelry and art work, hand knitted and crocheted items, baskets of holiday goodies, and much more.

This year’s event included a logo contest with entries from local middle school and high school students. Voting produced ties for both middle and high school students’ designs: winners included Kyle Brewer and Katie Troedsson from Astoria High School, and Bao Tran Nheuh, Annice McEwan, and Cody-Jo Sorter from Broadway Middle School. CASA will use the winning designs in brochures, stationery and future events promotions.

Next year’s CASA Celebration will be held February 29th 2008 at Astoria’s new “Red Building”.