CASA Funds

The Follies Fund

It has long been the dream of our local CASA program to help our foster children have a more "normal" childhood experience.  Attending a school dance, having the chance to own and learn on a computer, or go to a summer camp can help a foster child feel more confident.

The Follies Fund partners with local retailers to provide a place where a foster child may shop and are given the opportunity to select items that match their personal taste.  The fund focuses on categories such as technology, clothing, sports and toys, as well as allowing for educational and recreational activities such as music lessons, summer camps and computer classes.  Without the Wenatchee Valley Follies Guild this dream would never have come to reality

 

The Don Blessing Memorial Fund

Don Blessing began his career in public service with the Peace Corps, assigned to help establish a mental health hospital in the Middle East.  During his professional career, he earned his PhD in Psychology from Pacific University and later retired after 25 years as a Los Angeles County probation officer.  He then moved to the Wenatchee area to be closer to family.  He wanted to stay involved in the community and gave numberous hours to the CASA/GAL program. 

A foster child on Don's case wanted a viola to play at school.  Believing that all children should be able to experience music and the little "extras" in life, Don gave and asked for donations to buy a used but much-appreciated viola.

Upon his untimely death due to heart failure, Don's family established a memorial fund with the Chelan-Douglas CASA Program.  This fund was established to buy special things for foster kids that they or their families might not be able to afford.

Often foster children are placed away from everything they know; family, home, friends, clothes, and toys.  These "things" that make up their life give them their own identity.  This fund is used specifically to purchase items for foster children that cannot be provided by other agencies or providers. The "extras" that this fund has purchased include summer camp, swimming lessons, teddy bears, sports uniforms, "cool" tennis shoes, journals, bicycles, musical instruments, prom dresses, tuxedos, yearbooks and senior pictures.

 

The Andrew A. Hawken Memorial Fund

Andrew "Andy" Hawken was a man with boundless energy and was always willing to help those in need.  He was born and raised in the Seattle area where he found his love for the great outdoors. 

Andy had a career as an elevator mechanic, but always found time to enjoy his friends and family.  He loved playing sports and being outdoors - doing activities that kept him a kid at heart.  In continuing with Andy's playful spirit, he and his wife bought a piece of property in Orondo, Washington, to have fun with their friends and family on the weekends.  It was here where countless memories were made and Andy's sudden death brought a community together to continue his strongest value of helping those in need.

Andy died tragically in a snowmobiling accident at Snoqualmie Pass.  He was only 32 years of age.  To honor this wonderful man, his family and friends gather together each Memorial Day weekend for a pitch and putt golf tournament at their Bauer's Landing neighborhood in Orondo.  All funds benefit local foster children. 

Because of Andy's love of sports and outdoor activities, this fund helps foster children have fun!  Our goal is to purchase equipment, pay registrations or provide other needs required for the activities that children enjoy.

 

Want to donate to one of our funds?

To make a tax deductible donation to one of our funds, go to our donation page.  There you can make a easy and secure donation using PayPal.