CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County recently welcomed nearly 1,000 guests to the JW Marriott for its annual CASAblanca Gala. The event raised a record-breaking $2.6 million to benefit children who have experienced abuse or neglect. In a show of support, guests donned blue ribbons in honor of child abuse prevention and awareness.
The evening began with an invitation-only VIP pre-party, followed by a cocktail hour featuring lively games and opportunities to bid on exciting silent auction items.
KEYE’s Trevor Scott served as emcee, and CASAblanca co-chairs Anna Thompson and Audrey Roman kicked off the program as guests enjoyed dinner. A spirited live auction followed, highlighted by a special appearance from Torrence Thomas of THEBROSFRESH. To conclude the program, Board Chair Heather Walker and CEO Emily Rudenick LeBlanc shared heartfelt remarks and underscored the impact of CASA’s work.
LeBlanc recalled, “I remember my first day at CASA. It was the night of this gala in this very room. I walked into a ballroom filled with people who didn’t just show up, they responded. I watched a community come together and give–not out of obligation, but out of genuine care for children they may never meet. That night, I knew I was part of something extraordinary.”
Guests had the chance to score big in the raffles, which featured the always-popular signature Mystery Bags and Keep Austin Festive raffle, as well as the new Enchanted Garden Raffle. Prizes included donated items from Kendra Scott and Korman Fine Jewelry, among others, along with premier Austin experiences such as a stay at Hotel Van Zandt, ACL tickets, and passes to the Austin Food & Wine Festival.
Far from winding down, the celebration continued with an after-party featuring exciting casino games and a crowd-energizing DJ. Hat Creek Burgers provided late-night bites.
For more information on CASA of Travis County, visit casatravis.org.
