CASA fundraising tourney still open to golfers
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POLSON — Bobby’s sitting on the floor, his diaper badly soiled but after hours now caked dry. Close by, his older sister Linda is playing video games on a small old television, caring and sometimes watchful, but currently oblivious of her brother since he’s stopped crying for a change.
It is mid-day on a school afternoon and Mom is in the bedroom, trashed from the night before, yet with a half-empty bottle of cheap vodka on her bedside stand. In and out of prison on drug charges, one of several “stepdads” hasn’t been around for a while, and Nana and Grandpa stopped coming around months ago, caring but disgusted with the choices their daughter has made, but at their age unable to assume responsibility for the children and financially inept. Full ashtrays, empty and half-full potato chip bags, a sink full of dirty dishes and stacks of dirty and torn clothes in the front two rooms characterize this dilapidated single-wide, while outside a pair of non-running old vehicles serve as home for the neighborhood’s felines.
This case is fictional but similar to the type of situation that brings a Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children/Guardian Ad Litems into the lives of Lake County children. CASA volunteers are appointed by a District Court judge to serve as an advocate for displaced, abused, or neglected children by thoroughly examining and studying their circumstances in an exhaustive interview process and eventually making a recommendation to the court as to future placement which would best serve the child and their family. It can be a long, difficult and challenging, draining process, yet one that so importantly serves the children of Lake County.
Not every Montana county is fortunate to have a CASA group, and the one in Lake County has at times struggled financially to sustain its continued presence by competing for grants, yearly donations and an annual celebrity golf tournament. Not only do benefactors donate to sponsor a hole ($100-$500) and of course, play golf to financially help the organization, but each year a number of area celebrities donate their day to be purchased in live bidding to play as a fifth member of a foursome. This year former UM quarterback Cole Bergquist, head football coach Mick Delaney, UM’s Jim Foley, Polson Bay Golf Course pro Roger Wallace and the KPAX news team of Jill Valley, Mike Powers and Derek Buerkle will be on hand.
And this year, there’s also a silent auction.
There are still team spots available for the April 20 event, which starts with free breakfast at 8 a.m., by calling Cameron at (406) 883-8230.
