CASA hosts March Madness-themed fundraiser Saturday

Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Heartland is kicking off March Madness on Saturday with a fundraiser at Elizabethtown Country Club.

The fundraiser, “Bourbon, Beer & Basketball,” begins at 7 p.m. and all proceeds go toward the local CASA, a nonprofit that recruits volunteers to act as court-appointed special advocates for abused or neglected children, according to a news release.

Executive Director Sylvia Griendling said the local CASA has 22 active volunteers in Hardin County and works with children from birth to 18 years of age.

In 2012, volunteers worked with 82 children, Griendling said. There are about 50 children on the nonprofit’s waiting list.

According to Griendling, there are about 300 children in Hardin Family Court at any given time.

Kelly Emerine, chairwoman of CASA’s fundraising committee, said this is the first time the nonprofi thas hosted the March Madness-themed event.

In addition to a Casablanca event it hosts in the fall, the March Madness gathering is one of two large fundraising events CASA tries to hold each year, Emerine said.

The event is first come, first served and tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple and $30 for a designated driver, according to a news release. Admission includes a tasting glass, tasting tickets and food.

Beer and bourbon from local breweries will be featured for tasting, according to the release.

Sarah Bennett can be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.