The Charles Lafitte Foundation's 11th Annual Charity Golf Classic took place on June 30, at the prestigious Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield. All proceeds from the event benefited Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey (CASA of NJ), a nonprofit organization that supports a statewide network of local, community-based CASA programs through which trained volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their families because of abuse or neglect.

"We are grateful to The Charles Lafitte Foundation, to Suzanne and Jeffrey Citron, and to all of the golfers and supporters who made this event such a success," said Rita Gulden, Executive Director of CASA of NJ. "This incredible donation will further our mission of expanding advocacy in court for abused and neglected children and enable us to serve even more children in the coming year."

After nearly 80 golfers tried their luck on the course, a reception followed in the Baltusrol Clubhouse. Jeffrey Citron and his daughter Kyra spoke of the importance of CASA and the work that they do to advocate for the best interest of children who've been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Representatives from CASA also spoke, including the newly-elected CASA of NJ Board President and retired Presiding Family Court Judge, Tom Dilts, and Hudson County CASA volunteer Robert Johnson, who shared his personal experience as a CASA volunteer working with a disabled child in need - and helping to facilitate his adoption.

The ceremony concluded with the Charles Lafitte Foundation's leadership formally presenting a check for $375,000 to CASA representatives from throughout the CASA in New Jersey network.

The funds raised at CLF's Charity Golf Classic will support the implementation of CASA's Peer Coordinator Model, an organizational change that will exponentially increase the number of children served. The model uses seasoned volunteers to support, coach and supervise advocate volunteers without having to significantly increase staff and budget. The goal is to increase retention by building stronger relationships between all of the organization members - paid staff, unpaid staff and advocates - as well as provide a CASA advocate for every child in foster care.



CASA of New Jersey, Inc. is part of a national network of non-profit programs that advocate for children removed from their families because of abuse or neglect. CASA of NJ promotes and supports a statewide network of local CASA programs (Affiliates) statewide.

CASA Affiliates recruit and train community volunteers to be a "voice in court" for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. These advocates "speak up" for these children, helping them get the services they need and ensuring that they find safe, permanent homes. CASA programs operate in all 21 counties in New Jersey and nearly 3,000 children last year.

To find a CASA program in your county, visit casaofnj.org.