Amy Spencer (CASA Volunteer & Keynote Speaker), Inga Sanders-Marcereau (Friends of CASA President), Regan Dean Phillips (CASA OC CEO), Marjie Zethraus Mros & Liz deSousa (2025 Holiday Luncheon Co-Chairs)
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FRIENDS OF CASA HOSTS 30th ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
RAISING OVER $670k+ FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE
Orange, Calif. (December 11, 2025) – Friends of CASA, the membership auxiliary of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County, hosted its annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 5, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. What began as a Holiday Tea 30 years ago has grown into one of Orange County’s premier philanthropic traditions, raising more than $8 million since 1995. This year’s event generated over $670,000+ in net support for CASA’s mission to provide a powerful voice and meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
The Luncheon was chaired by Liz deSousa and Marjie Zethraus Mros, supported by a volunteer committee of 55 members from the Friends of CASA (FOCASA) auxiliary group, led by President Inga Sanders-Marcereau. A total of 433 guests attended the celebration, which opened with a reception featuring tray-passed champagne and 154 beautifully curated auction packages. A standout feature of the reception was the “Starfish Wish Trees,” sponsored by Barclay Butera Interior Design, allowing attendees to fulfill holiday wishes for 220 children in foster care, and receive commemorative ornaments designed by local artist Timree Gold.
The ballroom and reception spaces were transformed by Elite OC Productions and Paul Fenner Florals, setting the stage for a captivating Monique Lhuillier South Coast Plaza fashion presentation produced by Shannon Davidson Productions.
Keynote speaker and CASA volunteer Amy Spencer shared a compelling reflection on her four years of advocacy, including her work with a youth involved in both the child welfare and youth justice systems. She described his journey from a “depressed, lonely, and lost boy” to a young man earning a B average and planning for high school graduation. Spencer highlighted the transformative power of consistent adult support, noting Johnnie’s words: “Everything changed when I met you… I do better because I want to make you proud of me.” She emphasized the critical need for CASA volunteers, stating, “These kids need us—to guide them, to support them, to advocate for them, and most importantly, to believe in them.”
CASA OC CEO Regan Dean Phillips spoke to the broader impact of CASA’s work, noting that stories like Amy’s “capture the heart of our mission—what it means for a youth to be seen, supported, and surrounded by people who refuse to give up on them.” She highlighted key milestones, including 1,058 youth served by traditional CASA advocates this year and 218 new volunteers sworn in—a 23 percent increase over the previous year. Phillips recognized the Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon as a signature event that “beautifully blends celebration and purpose,” reminding attendees that “your presence, your giving, and your commitment matter deeply” in ensuring that no child in Orange County walks alone.
Philanthropic momentum was strengthened by a $35,000 matching gift from The Harry Bronson and Edith Knapp Foundation, inspiring guests to further amplify their support for children in foster care.
Special recognition was given to CASA supporters who took the opportunity to become a CASA Starlight, which funds a gift of advocacy to four youth in foster care for a full year through a $12,000 donation. 2025 CASA Starlights included two anonymous donors, Ryan Clemons, Lucy Donahue, Carie Jernquist-Ferry, Karen Jordan, Bonnie Lubock, Wendy Tenebaum, and Winston’s Crown Jewelers.
An exciting opportunity drawing showcased an elegant bracelet featuring 4.87 carats of pear-shaped diamonds, beautifully set in 18K white gold, generously donated by Exclusive Jewelry Partner Lugano. CASA supporter Sara Taylor was the lucky winner of this $28,000 prize.
The Ruby Starfish Sponsors were The Jacqueline Glass Family | Joanna and Richard James, South Coast Plaza and Watson Family Foundation. The Official Jewelry Partner was Lugano. Wine and Champagne Partner was Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, Elizabeth Gould | Julie Pierzak. Mobile Bidding Partner was The Rand Group. The Entertainment Partner was Constance Callan | Trisha Yount. Floral Partner was Amazon. Starfish Wish Ornament Partner was Barclay Butera Interior Design. VIP Valet Showcase was Fletcher Jones Motorcars | Audi Fletcher Jones. Invitation Partner was Besst Travels.
Friends of CASA is committed to raising funds for CASA of Orange County’s mentor-advocate program for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Through the annual Holiday Luncheon, Friends of CASA raises awareness, and recruits volunteers and long-term donors to CASA. This year’s Executive Committee of the Holiday Luncheon included the following Friends of CASA members: Michelle Adam, Zelma Banuelos, Katrina Bess, Nadia Bess, Janet Colclaser, Linette Dai, Lourdes de Quillien, Liz deSousa, Michelle Fuerstman, Heather Gil-Lastrina, Jennifer Gonzales Oxen, Elizabeth Gould, Jennifer Hanlon, Nicole Inal Hutchinson, Holly Joseph, Deborah Keillor, Sandi Kirby, Christina Markl-Coffey, Colleen Masterson, Kimberly Matties, Alex Miller, Sarah Minakary, Leslie Rhodes, Inga Sanders-Marcereau, Brittany Schultz, Joanna Smith, Dana Strader, Janine Wald, Marjie Zethraus Mros and Michelle Zuzek.
About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
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 provide critical support and important advocacy that focuses on the child's safety, the efficiency of placement in permanent homes, their educational needs and the child’s overall health and wellbeing. 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, CEO & President of 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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