By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Central Kansas CASA serves and advocates for abused and neglected children in need of care as they go through the court system in Barton, Stafford, Rice, Russell, and Ellsworth Counties. Each winter, the organization turns fundraising into fun with its annual Chocolate Auction. Executive Director Jennifer Gregg said the big night is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3 this year.
"This is our one and only fundraiser for the year," she said. "It provides 87 percent of our operating expenses in that one evening, so we definitely depend on that and need that to keep our CASA going."
One new item this year is a round of chocolate martinis. The usual brand of chocolate liqueur used for the drinks was discontinued before last year's event.
"Last year's recipe fell a little flat," Gregg said. "We have reinvented those. There will be three brand new flavors of chocolate martinis and we will be offering those in a flight."
Also new is the CASA Dessert Dash. Chocolate-covered strawberries will again be available for all attendees, but extra special desserts will be reserved for the 10 tables that enter the highest bids for the tasty treats.
The night will also feature its usual auction. Big-ticket items this year include a week-long vacation at a home in Naples, Fla., complete with a private pool and hot tub. For kids, there's a rented bubble house paired with mini-pancakes from Jennigans for 30 people. Kansas State basketball tickets with an Airbnb stay and catering from Lyles Lashley with Cajun Connections are two other popular items.
The 19th Annual CASA Chocolate Auction begins at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 at the Great Bend Event Center. Single tickets begin at $60 and may be purchased online or by calling the Central Kansas CASA office at (620) 792-5544. Email is currently unavailable.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets or donate.