On the third Thursday of almost every month, there is a free Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce mixer for members.
Hobnobbing at these affairs is absolutely de rigueur. The whole point is to socialize and network.
The nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was the enthusiastic host for this month’s event, which took place on Thursday, June 16, at the CASA offices on Skyway Drive.
CASA employees love a good party, and with their mixer theme, A Night at the Movies, they delivered the goods.
An ebullient Kim Colby Davis, the organization’s Executive Director, greeted guests outside at the red carpet and encouraged us to view “the movie,” a five-minute video about CASA.
The staff had a lot of fun with this event. Staffers cleverly decorated their doors with movie themes like Ghostbusters.
There were sliders, hot dogs, mini corn dogs, and chips. Moviegoers (i.e., those who actually watched the video) were treated to popcorn and candy, which they could wash down with a little something from the wine bar. Moviegoers also received a raffle ticket for two tickets (value $300) to CASA’s upcoming big annual shindig to be held on Oct. 16 at the rustic and elegant Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez.
Among the guests were Chamber members Gary Hamilton, George Majoue, Dave and Lynn Brogren, and Doug and Terri Lee Coleman. Chamber Ambassadors Jim and Julie Colegrove were at the reception desk, while Ken Ostini, CEO of the Lompoc Chamber, enjoyed the company of friends.
I chatted with CASA advocate Cindy Hagerman, who loves her involvement with the organization. She told me, “CASA volunteers get things done for kids in the system.” About her CASA charge, Cindy said, “She looks at me as if I am her safe person,” adding with emphasis, “I am her safe person.”
Judy Martin, who has been a CASA advocate for a year and a half said, “When my husband died, I needed something to occupy my time, and decided that CASA was a good opportunity for me to give, and to care about somebody [outside my family].”
She cherishes her CASA experience. “We get to talk to doctors, school counselors, teachers. Anything that touches the life of the CASA child, we can get involved in.”
Judy obviously had very good karma that evening—she was the happy winner of the October “CASA at the Vineyard” tickets.
Chamber member Ron Smith of Smith’s Alarms was a familiar face. He is well-known for his creative and imaginative booths at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual trade show. I remember with awe his King Tut’s tomb exhibit and his Around the World in 80 Days booth.
This year, Ron tells me, the trade show theme is Life’s a Beach. Does that mean Speedos and bikinis will be the costume of the day?
Someone in the know told me that 60 foster care children are awaiting their very own CASA advocate. Two summer training programs are available for new recruits. After the training, CASA volunteers are sworn in to their new position by a judge. This is serious stuff. The CASA volunteer is authorized to represent the child in situations that affect them.
If you would like to enjoy a wave of warm fuzzy feelings, call CASA at 739-91202 for info. This could be your passport to fulfillment.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jul 7-14, 2016.