October Newsletter: Score Big for Kids – Football, Auction & CASA Advocacy

October updates: CASA advocacy and our online auction!

Welcome to CASA on the Range, your source for updates, insights, and stories from Kansas CASA Association, Inc. that drive our mission forward. Stay informed, stay inspired, and join us in making a difference.

It’s here! Kansas CASA Association, Inc.’s first-ever online auction and fundraiser is officially open through November 4 at 3:00 p.m.

Visit www.kansascasa.org/online-auction , scroll down to the red image, and click “Auction Items – View Now.”

*To donate to the 50/50 Raffle, stay on the overview page.

*To join the auction, click “Auction” at the top to register and start bidding.

From signed memorabilia to unique experiences in the Kansas City area, Wichita, Hutchinson, and Dodge City - there’s something for everyone. And every bid or donation helps CASA ensure children in foster care have the steady, caring advocacy they deserve.

Here’s how the 50/50 Raffle works:
Everyone who donates will be entered into a drawing. The name drawn won’t win the money—instead, it determines which local CASA program receives 50% of the raffle donations! The remaining 50% stays with Kansas CASA Association, Inc., supporting programs statewide.

So if your name is drawn, your community’s CASA program benefits directly!

Bid, give, and make a difference for children across Kansas!

Kansas CASA Association, Inc. is honored to have the support of Golden Plains Credit Union, Capitol Federal, Schwan's, Natalie Haag and Charlie Claar as "Sunflower" sponsors and Laura Lutz as a "Seed" sponsor for our first-ever Planting Seeds of Hope: Online Charity Fundraiser and Auction. Their generosity helps make this event possible and ensures we can continue providing vital services to children in foster care across Kansas.

Thank you for planting seeds of hope with us and helping give every child a voice in court.

Thank you to all who donated items for our first-ever online auction! Your generosity helps Kansas CASA Association, Inc. continue its mission of supporting CASA programs and children across Kansas.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Every Child Deserves a Voice

Imagine a child moving from home to home, unsure if they will see their siblings again, unsure who will notice when they’re struggling, and longing for just one person to truly be there for them. For thousands of children in Kansas foster care, this is their reality—many have experienced abuse or domestic violence, leaving deep emotional scars that affect every part of their young lives.

Last year, CASA volunteers served 1,322 children in Kansas, providing more than advocacy—they became the one constant adult in a child’s life. They fight for safety and stability, ensure each child’s needs are met, advocate for their best interests, and remain a steady presence even if the child moves to a different foster home. For children affected by domestic violence, that consistent support can be life-changing.

But the work is far from finished. There are approximately over 5,600 children in Kansas foster care and they need a voice—children waiting for someone to listen, support, and stand beside them when their world feels uncertain. CASA volunteers provide that steady presence and bring hope, stability, and a chance for a brighter future to children who have already faced too much.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we remember these children and the importance of standing with them. You can make a difference by becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting local programs through a donation. Every voice added to this work changes a life—and can change a child’s future.

To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit www.kansascasa.org.

With gratitude,

Deena Gage | State Director

Football season is in full swing, and K-State quarterback Avery Johnson reminds us why CASA volunteers are so important: “Every child deserves to live their best life. Be a CASA. Be the constant in a child’s life. That’s what CASA’s do.”

CASA volunteers provide children in foster care with consistent support, advocacy, and someone to rely on through uncertainty. They stand by children experiencing abuse or neglect, making sure their voices are heard in court and helping guide them toward safety, stability, and hope.

One way to celebrate Avery this season is by bidding on a signed Avery Johnson jersey in our live auction. By participating, you’re not just taking home a piece of Kansas football history—you’re helping CASA provide more children with the constant presence and advocacy they deserve.

Watch Avery’s video below to see why being a CASA volunteer matters.

If you’re inspired to help children in your community, find out how you can get involved.

Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the Kansas CASA Association’s mission. These dedicated individuals help shape our future, ensuring that we continue to provide meaningful support to CASA programs across the state. Click below to learn more about our board members and their commitment to children in need.

CASA is making a difference in communities large and small, rural and urban — and there are many ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful career in child advocacy or want to connect through upcoming events hosted by CASA programs, there’s a place for you.

🔹 Employment Opportunities: Explore open positions with CASA programs across Kansas.
🔹 Events Calendar: Discover trainings, fundraisers, and community events happening near you.

Visit our website to see the latest opportunities and join us in ensuring every child in foster care has a voice.

Every child deserves a champion in their corner. Your donation today can be the lifeline that transforms a child’s life. By giving, you help Kansas CASA Association, Inc. provide vital services and training to the local programs, enabling CASA volunteers to advocate for children who need a voice. Together, we can give hope, build futures, and ensure every child has the safety and love they deserve.

Have you checked out the Kansas CASA Shop lately?

Every item you purchase helps raise awareness and supports the vital work happening in CASA programs across 63 Kansas counties. Whether you choose direct shipping or local pickup in Baldwin City, it’s easy to shop and make a difference.

🛍️ Visit the Kansas CASA Shop: https://www.kansascasa.org/give-shop/, place your order, and help spread the word!

📸 Don’t forget to snap a pic in your gear and tag us on social media—we love seeing our supporters represent CASA across the state!