May 28, 2015
Riverside County
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Mary Parks
Senior Public Information Specialist
Riverside County partners with railway to help CASA program
Departing from the downtown Metrolink Station, 40 passengers aboard a BNSF Railway vintage rail car took advantage of a special white-napkin dining experience to support Voices for Children and its recently launched Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Riverside County.
The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company donated the use of its luxurious vintage railway car for a 2-hour, round-trip train ride and gourmet dinner from Riverside to Fullerton. Joining community members on-board for Wednesday’s dining adventure were Department of Public Social Services employees who often work closely with foster youth.
“CASA is an important community partner and we appreciate all they do for children and families in Riverside County,” said DPSS Director Susan von Zabern “What a terrific event to bring awareness to the program and an opportunity for people to get involved and make a difference in the lives of kids.”
All proceeds from the sold-out event will enable Voices for Children to provide more of Riverside County’s foster children with the life-changing impact of a volunteer CASA.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to ensure they don’t get lost in the legal system. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. Last year more than 75,000 CASA volunteers helped 238,000 children find homes nationwide.
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