Capital Area CASA Association is pleased to announce its 18th annual Casas for CASA playhouse fundraiser, a three-week event to generate public awareness, funding and community support for CASA’s efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children. This year’s title sponsor is Holmes Building Materials. Platinum sponsors include Mall of Louisiana, Faulk and Meek General Contractors, LLC and The Advocate.

For three weeks, $5 raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win a children’s playhouse valued at $20,000.

The playhouse will be on display from July 21 - August 12 at the Mall of Louisiana. Raffle tickets are available at the mall, the CASA office (848 Louisiana Ave.) or online at www.casabr.org.

This year’s playhouse was designed by Lilliput Play Homes and will be assembled by local builder Faulk and Meek General Contractors, LLC.

CASA will deliver the playhouse to the winner’s driveway within 100 miles of the Mall of Louisiana.

The event officially kicks off Sunday, July 22, from 7-10 p.m. at the Mall of Louisiana with the CASA Fiesta, featuring a silent auction, live music and dancing with The Better Than Nobody Band and Mexican cuisine and margaritas by local restaurants.

Fiesta tickets are available for $50 and will be on sale at the event or by calling the CASA office at (225) 379-8598. Guests at the Fiesta can bid on items from auction donors including Lee Michaels, Layne Photography and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. Dress is summer casual.

CASA Kids Day, a children’s safety fair, closes out the event on Sunday, August 12 from 12 – 5 p.m. at the Mall of Louisiana. The star of Kids Day is LSU’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, who will leave his habitat and arrive in his tiger trailer at 4 p.m.

Kids Day includes performances and activities for children of all ages throughout the afternoon. Free services like children’s identification cards and library cards, along with safety demonstrations will also be available.

All events lead up to the playhouse giveaway at 5 p.m. on August 12.

All proceeds from Casas for CASA will go to Capital Area CASA Association, a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers, who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in need of safe and permanent homes. This fundraiser will enable Capital Area CASA Association to continue its efforts to provide a CASA volunteer for every child who needs one in East Baton Rouge Parish.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Capital Area CASA Association’s mission is to advocate for timely placement of children in permanent, safe and stable homes.