It’s hard to believe that LACASA, the organization in Livingston County that works with victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault, is 35 years old.
From its humble beginnings with $40 and a telephone to the comprehensive center it is today, LACASA has helped countless people.
I am proud to have been along for the last 22 of those 35 years as a member of the organization’s board of directors. During my tenure on the board, I’ve seen the organization move from providing shelter and services in an old Victorian house in downtown Howell to its present center in Howell Township. The move was made possible by what was Livingston County’s largest-ever capital campaign at the time: Just over $2.8 million was raised to build the comprehensive facility from which LACASA operates today.
It was wonderful to see so many people at Wednesday’s open house at the center. To help mark the occasion, state Rep. Hank Vaupel presented LACASA with a proclamation from the Michigan legislature.
Also on hand was Renee Chodkowski (aka The Great Foodini), who had some special treats and demonstrations ready for the party. There was plenty of music and food, and board members conducted tours of the facility.
To help mark LACASA’s milestone, there is also a five-week 35th-anniversary fund-raising challenge with Art Van that kicked off Wednesday. Money raised through the challenge will go to LACASA’s endowment program. For more information, click here. http://www.lacasacenter.org/art-van-challenge2016/
If you’d like to help out, consider making a $35 donation to mark each of LACASA’s 35 years. In addition to raising much-needed dollars for LACASA’s kids, you’ll also help LACASA compete for $100,000 from Art Van.
The festivities to mark LACASA’s 35th anniversary don’t end there. A Black-and-White Masquerade dinner dance is planned for Saturday, Oct. 22, at the beautiful Whispering Pines Golf Club in Pinckney.
Guests will enjoy a “walk down memory lane” historic gallery, as well as live music and dancing to the big band sound of Rhythm Society Orchestra. The attire is black & white semi-formal, and Venetian masks are encouraged.
Tickets are $75 each, and include dinner, beer and wine, and live entertainment. Tables of eight are available for $550.
Call LACASA at (517) 548-1350 for more information.
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Top photo: LACASA chairperson David Morse and LACASA CEO Bobette Schrandt look on as state Rep. Hank Vaupel look over the proclamation from the Michigan legislature marking the organization’s 35th anniversary.
