Pictured is a Rae Dunn inspired tablescape for today’s baker. Submitted photo

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Chautauqua County announces its 12th Annual Come to the Table 2020-Reimagined fundraiser to be held on Thursday, July 23 on the Facebook event page, 12th Annual Come to the Table 2020-Reimagined! Bidding opens at 8 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy an easy bidding process from the comfort of their homes, offices or smartphones. The public is invited.

This event features incredibly talented table designers who have supported the mission of CASA throughout the years. Tablescapes are thoroughly planned by each table designer and include gift certificates, experiences, baskets and other valuable items. Some participants spend several months creating and planning their tables. Themes featured in the 12th Annual Come to the Table 2020-Reimagined event include “A Beach Party,” “Let the Games Begin,” “So Very Dunn Baking,” Cynde B. Photography’s “It Takes Two” Sweetheart/Wedding Package, “Seven Days To Sundae,” “Shell-abrating Life,” and “Backyard Shenanigans.”

Guests will enjoy an easy bidding process. Tablescapes will be posted on the event Facebook page at 8:00 a.m. and can be viewed under the “Discussion” tab. Bidders are encouraged to comment their bid on the desired posted item. Bidders can check their bids throughout the day to make sure they are the highest bidder. Then, the highest bidder will be contacted via Facebook messenger for credit card payment and tablescape delivery information.

The service auction will take place at noon on the Facebook event page. The service auction offers our virtual bidders the opportunity to donate to one of the specific services of the CASA program and will consist of an hour of CASA advocacy for $15, adoption gift program for $25, lifebook program for $50 and a month of CASA advocacy for $125. “The service auction is a staple event during Come to the Table and offers our bidders the opportunity to directly benefit the children we serve,” says Kathy Park, executive director of CASA. “Children in the foster care system are often moved from placement to placement, with few belongings. Our lifebook program, for example, is a storybook that our CASA children create to help them track special memories and important life details that they can take with them always.” The service auction will last until 8 p.m. Donors will be notified via Facebook messenger with payment instructions.

Leading up to the event, CASA will honor community members for their contribution and support to the program. The Donna Vanstrom Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to Dan Lawrence for his exceptional program volunteerism. The CASA Hero Award will be given to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Youth for their hard work, kindness and genuine compassion given to CASA children during the holiday season. The Justice for Children Award will be given to Pamela K. Anderson, Esq. for her passion and willingness to support and advocate for every opportunity that every child rightfully deserves. The Friends of the Community Award will be given to Phin and Sara DeMink for their dedication, passion and commitment to giving back to Chautauqua County.

This year’s door prize will be an Intex Explorer K2, two-person inflatable kayak with paddles. To be eligible to win, visit the Facebook event page, 12th Annual Come to the Table 2020-Reimagined and mark yourself as “Going.” Winner will be announced on Friday, July 24. No purchase necessary.

Come to the Table offers many ways for local businesses and organizations to get involved while supporting CASA’s mission. Event sponsorships are available that provide exceptional public visibility and recognition during the event. This year’s event sponsors include Community Bank, N.A., SKF, Pharmacy Innovations, MDStar Presentations, UPMC Chautauqua, Wegmans, Allied Alarm Services, Inc., Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy, ERA Team VP, Fessenden, Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, Lind Funeral Home, Mayville Tremaine Inc., and Integrated Benefit Solutions.

For more event information visit the Facebook event page, 12th Annual Come to the Table 2020-Reimagined! To become a sponsor, table designer, or to donate a basket or gift certificate please email Kelly Fiorella at kfiorellacasa@gmail.com. All monies raised from Come to the Table 2020-Reimagined will be used to fulfill CASA’s mission of supporting volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in Chautauqua County. If you are unable to attend but would like to support the mission of CASA, a tax-deductible donation can me made online at www.ChautauquaCASA.com or by sending a check to CASA of Chautauqua Co., Inc. at 2 Academy Street, Suite 5, Mayville, NY 14757.