Another year has passed and another AMAZING Light of Hope has come and gone. On November 17, 2016, more than 1,000 CASA supporters gathered for breakfast and lunch to learn, to be inspired, and to become a part of the movement. Both events, presented by General Mills, raised more than $256,000 and recruited 120 prospective volunteers for CASA of Northwest Arkansas.
Who is to thank?
Our sponsors! The full list which can be found here includes our presenting sponsor, General Mills, along with our benefactor sponsors, The Clorox Company, Kimberly-Clark, Mitchell Williams, Sam’s Club, Tyson, and U.S. Nutrition, and our advocate sponsors, Mercy, Rockfish, and Truity Credit Union.
Our table captains! One hundred and five caring and compassionate individuals stepped up to invite their colleagues and friends to join us for an inspirational day.
Our speakers! We were honored to have a remarkable line-up for speakers this year. 
Our breakfast featured keynote speaker Judith McKenna (Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.) while lunch featured Scott Rouse (Chief Customer Officer, Tyson Foods, Inc.). Both events were kicked off by amazing emcees, Marcus Osborne (Walmart) and Blake Woolsey (Mitchell Communications).
Our testimonial speaker, Lauren Waldon, brought a regal presence as Miss Arkansas International. And, no one can forget the smallest star of our show, Ben, whose video touched the hearts of so many.
Our advocates and children! We would be no where without our advocates and the children we serve. This year, we also paid homage to the children we are unable to serve because we do not have enough advocates. The clothesline below displayed one shirt for every child still waiting for their CASA in Northwest Arkansas.
Lastly, we thank YOU, our guests and supporters, for taking time to remember our children and reflect on their experiences in foster care. We look forward to engaging you all again in November 2017.
If you would like to serve as a sponsor or table captain for this year’s event, please contact Colleen Smith, colleen@nwacasa.org. We would love for you to join us as we celebrate 20 years of advocacy in Northwest Arkansas.