They decided to step in. What began with letters and a small garden party in Hillsborough, where they made all the food themselves and raised $1,300, became an annual tradition that generated meaningful support and brought more people into CASA’s circle of care for many years. Over the next 15 years, the Auxiliary raised more than $3 million for CASA.

The Auxiliary’s legacy is about much more than fundraising. It is a story of women who gave their heart, time, and resources to young people they may never meet, simply because they believed those young people mattered. The stories they heard— of a child who had never had a birthday celebration and whose favorite part was hearing people sing “Happy Birthday,” or a young person choosing a rock inscribed with “I will never leave you”—made the mission deeply personal and inspired them to keep going year after year. In supporting CASA, they also built lasting friendships and a shared sense of purpose. As we celebrate 20 years, we honor the Auxiliary for helping grow not only critical support for CASA, but also a wider circle of care for the young people we serve.