Theta Rocks

Events earn Kappa Alpha Theta prestigious award

March 4, 2008

Blair Kauffmann '08 holds the PA CASA Voice award given to the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta for their support of Court Appointed Special Advocates throughout the years.

In fall 2007, the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta received a prestigious award from the Pennsylvania chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Only given three previous times, the Pennsylvania CASA Voice award recognizes many philanthropic events and fundraisers Theta has held throughout the years.

Most recently, the spring 2007 Rock the CASA concert featuring Emerson Drive raised approximately $3,000 for the Cumberland County CASA chapter.

"Philanthropy was a huge reason why I joined Theta," says Blair Kauffmann '08, who served as Theta's CASA chair when the chapter received the award. "This award shows that they appreciate what we do and that the partnership between Theta and CASA has grown a lot in the last six years. It is a great honor."

CASA, created in 1977, is Theta's national philanthropy. CASA's professional volunteers undergo extensive training and are appointed by judges to be in-court advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Approximately 50,000 volunteers nationwide have served more than 225,000 children.

"Over the past five years, Theta has just been extraordinary in support of the local and Pennsylvania CASA office," says Dennis S. Hockensmith, executive director of the Pennsylvania CASA Association. "We've only given a handful of these awards in history, so this is a reflection of their extraordinary service."

In addition to Rock the CASA, which was co-sponsored by the Multi-Organizational Board, Theta's other events for CASA include a haircut-a-thon fundraiser with a local salon, sending Valentine's Day cards and fleece blankets to children in CASA's care and organizing appreciation brunches for CASA volunteers.

"We really enjoy what we do for CASA," Kauffmann says. "People don't realize the importance of children having a voice in court. CASA is wonderful because it makes sure children's needs are met. Helping give someone a voice is important for Theta as a women's organization because we're trying to express ours as well."