Volunteers host banquet

The 13th Annual CASA Volunteer Appreciation Banquet hosted by Advocates for Children, Inc. was held on April 20. This was an evening to Plant the Seeds of Caring while "Standing up for an Abused Child."

Special recognitions were given to community friends who have assisted or supported Advocates for Children, Inc. in its efforts. The Honorable David Dunn, Judge of the Children Protection Court of Southeast Texas, presented the "Judicial Award" to Attorneys Ad Litem Duane Keating of Hemphill and Steve Howard of Orange. The "CPS Excellence Award" was presented to Lacie Salinas, Foster Care Caseworker for the Department of Family and Protective Services. The "Extra Mile Award" was presented to CASA volunteer and Board member Dianne Wright for her fund raising efforts.

A "Lifetime Achievement Award" was accepted for Elaine Clow of the Tyler County Child Welfare Board for her many years as an "Advocate for Abused and Neglected Children of Tyler County and Southeast Texas."

For additional information about the CASA Program, how to become a volunteer, or to request a volunteer application, contact Advocates for Children, Inc. at 409-883-5111, Ext. 16, toll free at 877-586- 6548, or by e-mail at casaocnjane@ sbcglobal.net.