The Dallas CASA Classic raised an impressive $1.9 million for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the child victims of abuse and neglect served by the agency’s volunteers.
Now in its 26th year, the tournament is jointly hosted by AT&T, Goldman Sachs, and Pioneer Natural Resources. Since its inception in 1998, the tournament has generated over $28 million to support Dallas CASA's mission.
Dallas CASA’s volunteers, comprised of community members trained and supervised by agency staff, advocate for children in foster care who are victims of abuse or neglect. For many of these children, their Dallas CASA volunteer is a crucial constant during a tumultuous period in their lives.
Thanks to the support garnered through the tournament, Dallas CASA is able to serve all children in need in Dallas County. Over the past five years, the agency has accepted 100% of court appointments from the 10 local judges overseeing child welfare cases, assisting more than 7,000 children with the help of 2,700 volunteer advocates. This makes Dallas CASA the largest of over 900 CASA programs nationwide.
“Dallas CASA began in 1980 with just ten volunteers who dreamed of better outcomes for child victims of abuse or severe neglect,” stated Kathleen M. LaValle, president and CEO of Dallas CASA. “That dream has been transformed into reality for all Dallas children through the support of the Dallas CASA Classic.”
Each year, the tournament, held at The Ritz Carlton-Dallas, Las Colinas, and Cowboys Golf Club, attracts around 500 golfers from across the country. All funds raised directly benefit the children served by Dallas CASA.
“Dallas CASA gives local community members a way to step up and advocate for the future of our city,” said Paige Richey, vice president and chief of staff at Goldman Sachs and a Dallas CASA board member. “Goldman Sachs is proud to have played a part in growing Dallas CASA’s capacity to serve and impact children in our city.”
Dallas CASA volunteers collaborate with judges, attorneys, educators, therapists, doctors, and families to ensure healing, safety, and stability for children, aiming to help them reach their full potential.
The tournament was founded by Archon Group in 1998 and has since evolved through partnerships with Goldman Sachs and Pioneer Natural Resources. Together, these corporations have enhanced their impact on Dallas CASA, laying the groundwork for the agency's significant growth.
“Dallas CASA’s volunteers exemplify what happens when people stand up for our community to make it a better place,” stated Corey Anthony, AT&T senior vice president and Dallas CASA board member. “Thanks to Dallas CASA, our city and our children are stronger.”
Last year, 1,088 Dallas CASA volunteers advocated for 2,151 children living in the protective care of the state.
