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Bounce-around party gives CASA a boost
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.Board members and volunteers of Mahoning Valley CASA gathered for a photo at their successful Bounce-Around fundraiser on Jan. 15.
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Jeff Schantz (left) and his son Griffin Schantz had an intense basketball shoot out during the Bounce Around fundraiser. After about 50 shots, Griffin was declared the winner.
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Although he was yelled at a few moments after, Bobby Cavalier decided to go down the bouncy slide head first to gain some speed.
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Hannah Hicklin's activity of choice was riding the coin-operated horse. Joining the gallop were grandma Mary Hicklin (left) and mom Melissa.
By SARAH FOOR
The young and the young-at-heart bounced around for a good cause on Jan. 15, as Mahoning County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program hosted a family-focused fundraiser at Bounce Around activity center in Boardman.
Although the event was all fun and games, the funds raised will support the hard work of CASA’s nonprofit volunteers. During court proceedings for juvenile abused and neglected children cases, CASA volunteers work as interim guardians and give the court advice for the best home, care, and protection for the child.
Shukriyyah Abdul-Salaam has worked with CASA since 1990.
“There are definitely some tough decisions to make for the children. But there are so many great moments, and I keep working for those.”
The sale of a CASA cookbook and the entrance fee to the facility helped raise funds for the organization. Kids were free to bounce on an inflatable castle, slide, and obstacle course, and play air hockey, skee-ball, and shoot hoops. Pizza, juice, and doughnuts were available to eat, so guests could keep up their energy for bouncing.
In between a basketball game with his sons, volunteer and board member Jeff Schantz commented on his time with the association.
“CASA is truly a wonderful, caring organization that I’m proud to be a part of,” he explained.