PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Matthew Wadlinger
Chief Brand Officer
714-619-0646
mwadlinger@casaoc.org
CASA of Orange County Raises Over $1.38 Million at Annual CASA Celebration Gala
Orange, Calif. (May 22, 2025) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County hosted its annual CASA Celebration on Saturday, May 17, at the stunning Pendry Newport Beach. The unforgettable evening brought together 260 passionate supporters, all united in the mission to provide trained volunteer advocates for children in Orange County who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The event exceeded all expectations, raising over $1,380,000.
Chaired by CASA’s Board of Directors and led by Board Chair Michael Wong, the evening kicked off with a glamorous cocktail reception and a silent auction featuring 35 exceptional items. Guests then participated in a thrilling live auction, which included standout packages such as a four-night stay in a luxury ocean-view villa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol, and a dazzling 9.1-carat mixed-cut diamond bangle in 18K white gold, courtesy of Lugano, 2025 CASA Celebration’s’ Exclusive Jewelry partner.
CASA OC’s Board of Directors
As guests entered the ballroom, they were transported into the golden age of cinema with a stunning Casablanca-inspired transformation by Elite OC Productions. CASA CEO Regan Dean Phillips delivered a powerful address emphasizing the critical role of CASA volunteers in the lives of vulnerable children.
“CASA has a proven model that combats the grim realities of the foster care system. Our mission fills the inevitable gaps within an overburdened, underfunded system not designed to raise children,” said Phillips. “When paired with a CASA, children are more likely to graduate high school, access essential services, build lifelong connections, and find permanent homes — and they consistently report higher levels of hope. CASAs make the difference between falling through the cracks and thriving beyond the system.”
This year’s gala honored outstanding supporters whose dedication to CASA’s mission has created lasting impact:
Outstanding Foundation: James P. Previti Charitable Fund
Outstanding Corporation: Barclay Butera Interior Design, led by CEO & President Barclay Butera
Children’s Champion Award: Alisa Abecassis
Each honoree shared moving personal stories, highlighting the power of family, connection, and compassion in shaping a child’s future.
A heartfelt highlight of the night was the recognition of Christopher Williams as CASA’s Advocate of the Year. Introduced by Judge Craig Arthur, Presiding Judge of the Orange County Juvenile Court. Christopher beautifully reflected on his journey and experience as a CASA volunteer:
“A CASA volunteer can be anyone. I have a full time job, a full time wife, and I’m about to be a full time father. Being a CASA is a time commitment, but one I am glad to do. It’s hard out there right now. It will likely be getting harder. But it is especially hard for the most vulnerable among us. Your support will make a difference.”
Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Craig E. Arthur and 2025 Advocate of the Year, Christopher Williams
The night culminated with a spirited Fund the Mission paddle raise led by auctioneer Zack Krone, which alone generated over $630,000, with donations ranging from $100 to $100,000.
This year’s Diamond Sponsor was Tarsadia Foundation. Emerald Sponsors were Lucy Donahue and Karen Jordan. Sapphire Sponsors were Manly, Stewart and Finaldi, James P. Previti Charitable Fund and Rohani Family Foundation.
Underwriters included Lugano as the Official Jewelry Sponsor, The Gadbois Family as the Cocktail Reception Sponsor, Holly and Ben Hoch as the Main Dining Room Floral Sponsor, Sperry Equities as Mobile Bidding Sponsor, Amazon as Invitation Sponsor, Dr. John Laura as Printing Sponsor, Elite OC Productions, LLC as Bar Sponsor, and Paul Fenner Floral Design as Cocktail Floral Sponsor. Wine and champagne generously provided by Wines of Kings bhn - who served as the Wine Sponsor.
About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA OC) provides a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. CASA volunteers are a crucial intervention to help ensure safety, speed up permanent placement, help children and youth thrive in school, and support positive health outcomes. A CASA volunteer is often the only consistent adult in a child or youth’s life who is not paid to support and advocate for them. The CEO of CASA OC since 2017 is Regan Dean Phillips, Esq., MSW. Chair of the Board of Directors is Michael Wong, President & CEO, Genea. CASA is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. It is a member of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children. Please visit casaoc.org to learn more.
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