Staff Reports
The singers at one the city’s most popular fundraisers will have to make supporters swoon as competitors croon in a different way this year.
Because Crooners for CASA has been rescheduled as a live, virtual event at 7 p.m. June 4 on Facebook and YouTube.com as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Abigail Jones, director of development for the Advocates For Children nonprofit agency that benefits from the event, assures all that the competing teams still will sing their heart out — and with at least a few outlandish costumes while hoping for the online audience’s outlandish generosity via monetary votes for favorite teams.
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“The night will continue the spirit of the event by featuring musical performances from community members and testimonials from people who have seen our impact,” Jones said.
In the past, performers have portrayed such artists as the Blues Brothers, Milli Vanilli, New Kids on the Block, Elvis Presley and others.
Crooners helps Advocates For Children’s trained volunteers speak up in legal cases on behalf of abused and neglected children in Bartholomew, Decatur, and Jennings counties. The event normally is held at The Commons before a crowd of 300-plus people.
Money raised at the event helps fund the cost of guardians ad litem for the agency. In the past, that money has come from more than just the individual or team performers. It also has come from those who have paid to nominate someone from the crowd to sing once a competition winner is crowned. And others have paid for “insurance” so they cannot be nominated to offer the song in their heart.
One new addition this year will be a silent auction, which will feature several items of all value ranges. People who wish to donate, bid on an item, or learn more in general can visit the website at apowerfulvoice.org/crooners-for-casa
The past two years’ events have raised about $50,000 each for a cumulative total of more than $300,000 since former Advocates’ board member Mike Rossetti, now a Florida resident, launched the concept in 2014.
Advocates For Children’s website currently offers a key reminder as the fundraiser approaches.
“These are confusing, anxiety-filled, and uncertain times for all of us,” the message reads. “But this doesn’t mean the important work of advocating for children has stopped. For over three decades, our organization has provided advocates for thousands of children. Our services just look a little different during this time of uneasiness and uncertainty.”
For example, the organization is:
Continuing to advocate for children by communicating with them remotely through video chat and phone calls.
Using virtual means to provide a voice for children at case conferences and in the courtroom.
Facilitating virtual visits between children and parents.
Ensuring that families and children have every resource they need to remain safe, healthy, and provided for.
Being proactive and precautionary in all of our action in order to protect those we serve.
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What: Crooners for CASA
When: 7 p.m. June 4
Where: Live-streaming on the Facebook page for Crooners For CASA and on the YouTube.com channel for Advocates For Children
Information: apowerfulvoice.org
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