Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will celebrate the agency’s 30th annual Parade of Playhouses June 13 to 29 at NorthPark Center.
Parade of Playhouses, which features custom-built children’s playhouses, has become the agency’s signature event, spreading awareness about the needs of children in foster care and the transformative power of volunteer advocacy. Local architects, builders and organizations design, build and donate the playhouses, which are then displayed for 17 days at NorthPark Center and available to the public to win by raffle. Since the first Parade in 1996, more than 370 houses have been donated. This year’s event is sponsored by Crest Cadillac, with KDC serving as Parade Grand Marshal. All funds raised go to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The event began as a way to raise awareness about Dallas CASA, whose volunteers are community members trained to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. CASA volunteers are often a child’s only consistent, caring adult during a frightening time.
“The children our incredible volunteers serve don’t dream of backyard playhouses. They dream of simpler things – a home where they are safe, protected and loved,” said Kathleen LaValle, president and CEO of Dallas CASA. “But the playhouses represent something ingrained in all of us – a desire for a place to call home. That sense of home, acceptance and love is something we want for every single child.”
Raffle tickets are available for purchase for $5 at NorthPark Center or online at dallascasa.org.
