Every year the CASA Back to School Picnic (also known as John’s Picnic) gets bigger and better. This year, almost 200 CASA youth, along with their advocates, were treated to sports, games, crafts, face-painting, Shetland ponies and goats, hot rods, a DJ, corn dogs, gelato and a barista cafe.
All youth in attendance received brand new backpacks, provided by Karina’s Backpack Project, which was founded by longtime CASA supporter, Urvashi Patel in honor of her daughter Karina Tarsadia. Urvashi said, “Karina’s Backpack Project is dedicated to setting children up for success by providing them with backpacks filled with essential school supplies. At its heart, the project is about more than just school supplies; it’s about giving kids the tools they need to thrive and showing them that their community believes in their future.”
This year, Karina’s Backpack Project provided 360 fully stocked backpacks filled with school supplies for CASA youth attending John’s Picnic. They also provided 150 scientific calculators. All youth in attendance were also provided gift cards and were able to make selections from a table piled high with games, toys, make-up, and other items.
Left Karina Tarsadia Right Urvashi Patel
One CASA volunteer beautifully captured what this day meant to her and her youth. Advocate KellyAnn said, “I just wanted to thank you all. It is my honor to be invited and bring my girl to these events. She had a fabulous time and was so thankful for her goodies. I’m grateful for every single person who works towards this day. I can imagine the work started months ago, organizing all the volunteers, obtaining the items given away, coordinating the vendors, setup and cleanup crews, and the endless phone calls and emails!”
A very special thank you goes to two exceptional individuals, Misty Webb, Community Partnership Coordinator at CASA OC and Sharon Engstrom, founder of the John Michael Engstrom Foundation (and for whom John’s Picnic is named), for their outstanding efforts in coordinating all the vendors and volunteers and managing every aspect of the event. Misty poured her heart into making this picnic a day of laughter, connection, and celebration for CASA youth and their advocates and Sharon, veteran sponsor & planner of this event, once again brought her deep experience and dedication ensuring its continued success.
CASA OC is deeply grateful to everyone who generously contributed their time and resources to ensure John’s Picnic was a resounding success. Your support helped us create an unforgettable and joy-filled day for our CASA youth and their advocates.This event would not be possible without the thoughtful support of CASA’s community donors who make this annual gathering happen, including:
John Michael Engstrom Memorial Foundation - Sharon Engstrom and all the enthusiastic family & volunteers who continuously bring their best every year. You are a loyal and tremendous source of support for CASA OC!
Saddleback Church - Max, Trena and their volunteers
South Coast District DAPO
Independent CASA Volunteers
CASA Staff and Board Members
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the many vendors who were at the event and made the day extra special for everyone in attendance:
Because of you, John’s Picnic 2025 was more than just a back-to-school event; it was a reminder to every child in attendance that they are surrounded by a caring and supportive community.