A high school teacher, a retired couple, and a local business are the recipients of the 2024 LACASA Awards, given out at the agency’s first annual fundraising Gala: Bourbon, Bowties, & Boas, on Oct. 11, 2024, at Crystal Gardens in Howell. The awardees were nominated by and voted on by LACASA staff and board members.
At the Roaring ’20s themed event presented by Executive Wealth Management, Ed and Pat Bax of Howell were honored with the “Wings of Service” award as LACASA’s Volunteers of the Year; Howell High School teacher Leah Brinker, was presented with the “Phoenix Rising” award as the Youth Advocate of the Year; and Chem-Trend was awarded the “Spirit of LACASA” tribute as the Business Partner of the Year.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ed and Pat, Leah, and Chem-Trend for their outstanding service and dedication to LACASA’s mission,” said LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt. “Each of them embodies the heart of our work. Their unwavering commitment to raising critical awareness and funds, and for using their voices in support survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual violence has made our community a better, safer place.”
Ed and Pat Bax have been regular volunteers at LACASA for several years, and have a particular passion for the LACASA Collection charity resale boutique, which recently relocated to Tanger Outlets Howell.
Leah Brinker is one of LACASA’s most ardent educational advocates, supporting LACASA’s curriculum not just in her own health classroom, but helping to integrate it into all five Livingston County public school districts.
For many years, Chem-Trend, which is headquartered in Howell, has partnered with LACASA to provide financial support, volunteer hours, and employee engagement. That includes seeking out major grants for LACASA, helping with the agency and the LACASA Collection moves, sponsoring the Adopt-a-Family program, and conducting Lunch and Learns with its employees. John Lundin of Chem-Trend accepted the award.
More information about the awardees, including short videos of each can be found by clicking HERE.
Close to 500 people were on hand to celebrate the awardees, and to hear a moving testimonial from a former LACASA client and survivor of sexual assault. The Gala also included a live and silent auction, a paddle raise, a raffle for a $6,000 diamond donated by Cooper & Binkley Jewelers, as well as dinner, signature drinks, and dancing to the Chateau Band.
“We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support from our sponsors, our board, and Gala attendees,” Schrandt said. “These critical funds will help us meet the ever-growing need for our programs and services in the community.”
At the event, Schrandt also announced that planning is already underway for the second annual LACASA Gala, set for Sept. 26, 2025, at Crystal Gardens. Executive Wealth Management will return as a presenting sponsor, joined by Brighton Ford and Revival R.N.
