14th Annual Come to the Table Fundraiser

CASA of Chautauqua Helping Children in Need
By Jessica Schultz

   CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) of Chautauqua is always looking to help support neglected/abused children in their pursuit of safe permanent homes and for the last 13 years have hosted their annual “Come to the Table” fundraiser auction. The last two years the event has been virtual but for their 14^th year, CASA’s “Come to the Table” is back in live action. Please grab a ticket and join them at The Chautauqua Suites in Mayville, NY on Thursday, May 12^th. Doors will open at 5pm and the auction starts promptly at 6:30pm . It’s a great opportunity to see the beautiful tablescapes that CASA supporters and local artisans have created for guest to bid on, while supporting a fantastic cause.

   The Villager had a chance to speak with Kelly Fiorella, Fund Development Coordinator of CASA of Chautauqua about this year’s event and what it has to offer.

   Villager (V): “Come to the Table” is back for the 14th year; what is different about this year’s auction?

   Kelly (K): “We are thrilled to welcome our guests back to our first in-person event since 2019! New this year, we are introducing the opportunity for our guests to support the Mary Rogers Heart of CASA fund. Mary was a tremendous supporter of CASA and had a lifelong passion for helping children. Mary recognized that not all children start on an even playing field, and most children who live in poverty have more obstacles to overcome. She realized that financial disadvantages to a child’s education affected their ability to fit in with their peers. Mary’s fund will support children’s educational and extracurricular needs for those who may not have means or resources. The fund will provide children in grades K-12 with funds needed for educational resources, lessons, equipment, yearbooks, school outings and more.”

   V: What items are up for grabs?

   K: “Our table designers have really created some great tablescapes this year. We will auction off tablescapes that appeal to everyone! This year’s themes include “Taster’s Choice: Coffee and Tea,” “Gone Fishing,” “Honey, Take Me Out,” “A Taste of Chautauqua County,” “When Love is in Bloom,” “The Computer Family,” “Lake Life,” “Celebrate the Arts!,” “Vintage Desert Rose,” “Whiskey & Wildflowers,” “Ladies Bible Study,” “Garden Party,” even a kids-themed “Summer, Here We Come” tablescape plus many more! Included in the live auction is the much anticipated 7-night stay in a private condo in Myrtle Beach. This condo is just minutes away from many restaurants, shopping, golf courses and more. Back again is the “Who Done It” at the RED House – Murder Mystery Dinner. The highest bidder along with seven guests will experience a murder mystery to be solved set in the historic 1860’s Victorian manor ‘The RED House’ in Cassadaga. Dinner and champagne included! Back again is the most anticipated “A Heroes Dinner with Jamestown Fire Department.” Win this tablescape and you and 11 guests get to enjoy a homemade spaghetti dinner prepared by our true local heroes…the Jamestown Fire Department. Enjoy a private tour of the firehouse too! A basket raffle, silent auction, service auction and 50/50 will also be available.”

   V: How does Come to the Table support the area’s children?

   K: “The proceeds from Come to the Table help our recruitment, training and volunteer support efforts. Our CASA volunteers are highly trained, everyday community members who advocate in court for abused and neglected children in foster care. Our volunteers work with agencies and individuals in the child’s life in order to advocate for the best interest of the child.”

   V: What is CASA’s next big event?

   K: “We are excited to announce our 1st Annual A Voice Fore A Child Beer & Wine Tasting Charity Golf Tournament. This event will be on Friday, July 15 at Maplehurst Country Club in Lakewood, NY. Golfers will play an 18-hole, scramble format tournament with beer, wine & coffee tastings at the holes. Included are on-course contests and other activities! To register, sponsor or become a vendor contact Kelly Fiorella at kfiorellacasa@gmail.com.”

   V: Anything else to add?

   K: “Tickets to Come to the Table are available from any CASA board or staff member or at the door for just $20 and include the chance to win the door prize.”

   Thank you Kelly, for taking the time to speak with us about the event and thank you to the whole staff of CASA and all the artisans participating in the 14^th Annual Come to the Table Fundraiser for all that you do to help our community’s children!!