(From the Herald Times – June 2nd, 2017) Monroe County CASA is pleased to announce the 2017 “Safe Homes, Safe Kids” quilt raffle. Tickets are now available, but the quilt, made by Pat Surra, will be raffled off at the Fourth Street Arts Festival on September 3rd, 2017.

The quilt design was created by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie’s Quilt Company and then was modified by Surra. The quilt is titled “Cracked Pots” and features log cabin blocks in the center and houses all around the square, just like a village. “The story behind the quilt reminds us that each of us has our own unique flaw,” Surra said. “But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You just need to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.” More information about the quilt’s story can be found at www.monroecountycasa.org.

Surra hopes this quilt will raise awareness and much needed funds for CASA. Monroe County CASA has over 100 children waiting for an advocate, and these funds will help to recruit and train new volunteers. Also, the money raised will be included in CASA’s final fundraising total for the 2017 Dancing with the Celebrities competition. Matt Murphy of Harris Services will be dancing on behalf of CASA at the event this September.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20. Tickets can be purchased at the Monroe County CASA office, from any CASA board member, from Matt Murphy, or by calling 812-333-CASA.

Monroe County CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. The program recruits, screens, trains, and supervises adult community members who volunteer their time to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), with full legal authority set forth by the State of Indiana. CASAs provide advocacy to child victims to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the court proceedings and find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. For more information about Monroe County CASA, visit www.monroecountycasa.org or call 812-333-CASA.