Nearly $50,000 was raised for an organization dedicated to protecting children in the legal system. Organizers for “Crooners for CASA” say the event entertained approximately 250 guests at The Commons in downtown Columbus, in support of Advocates for Children. Officials say this event, now in its fourth year, has raised approximately $200,000 since its inception.

Crooners for CASA, a karaoke-styled event, is held each year at the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Money raised support work on behalf of area children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect.

“Between 2012 and 2015, the annual number of abuse and neglect cases in the State of Indiana rose by 40,000,” said Rick Scalf, Advocates for Children’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “Seventy children in our state enter the child protection system every single day. Every one of these children deserves a steady adult by their side, helping to guarantee that the child’s best interest is always front and center.”

Advocates for Children provides this assistance through the work of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and staff Guardians Ad Litem (GAL). Last year, the agency served 841 children in Bartholomew, Decatur, and Jennings counties. Scalf says that the money raised at these events assist with the work on behalf of these children, along with the 305 children remaining on the waiting list.

Advocates for Children is currently accepting application for its next training session for CASA volunteers, which is scheduled to begin in May. If you are interested in learning more, visit apowerfulvoice.org or call the office at (877) 604-9402.