By Darlene Brace
You are invited to attend the 17th annual “Come to the Table” fundraising event at The Chautauqua Suites, located at 215 West Lake Road in Mayville on Thursday, May 8th. This unique fundraising event supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Chautauqua County, and will include refreshments, music, basket raffles, and a variety of auctions.
When the doors open at 5pm, guests are invited to mingle while enjoying the cash bar and complimentary appetizers. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse the tablescapes that will be featured in the live auction, which is the event’s highlight. Tablescapes are judged during the event and awarded the most artistic, whimsical, elegant, and original. Guests will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite table design which will be awarded a people’s choice award.
Local artisans, volunteers, and other community members create and donate tablescapes. The tablescapes are beautifully themed and include a complete table setting for at least four people. The themed tables may feature additional decor like flowers, candles, or artwork and may include items such as gift certificates, sports memorabilia, and vacation packages. The table designers can include whatever items they want, and everything on the table is included.
There will be music performed by some of the Jamestown High School Chamber Orchestra students. It will also feature basket raffles, a silent auction, and a service auction. The service auction provides guests with the opportunity to donate to special programs that are part of CASA, which include life books, summer camp programs, and support for CASA volunteer advocacy.
At 6:30pm, the live auction will begin. The auction will be led by auctioneer Andrew Campbell, who has conducted the auction for this event for several years in the past. It is exciting to see the action or participate in the live auction bidding.
CASA is a non-profit organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for children who have been neglected or abused and are in the foster care system. These volunteer advocates play a crucial role in finding permanent homes for these children, ensuring they have someone in their corner. They also help facilitate sibling visits, address educational and medical needs, and provide essential support to the child’s foster family. The proceeds from this event will directly contribute to these important efforts.
This event, along with other fundraising initiatives, enables CASA to provide advocacy and services for these deserving children. Kelly Fiorella, CASA’s Fund Development Coordinator said, “The community support that we receive year after year allows our organization to continue to provide advocacy for these underserved youth. We can’t thank our sponsors, table designers, donors, and guests enough for continuing to believe in our mission and the children we advocate for. Because of our community support system and our compassionate CASA volunteers, we are able to make sure every foster child we serve has a brighter future!”
For more information about CASA, the event, or to make any type of donation, please contact Kelly Fiorella at kfiorellacasa@gmail.com. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased in advance by emailing Kelly or from any staff or board member. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the event.
Please consider joining CASA for the “Come to the Table” event on May 8th. It promises to be a fun community gathering featuring an enjoyable evening of food, drinks, and entertainment, along with the opportunity to engage in a worthwhile cause that supports children during difficult times. Come have some fun and be a part of helping to make a difference in these children’s lives. For more information about CASA of Chautauqua County or Come to the Table visit chautauquacasa.com.