CASA Low Country Boil fundraiser supports children in need

Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASA) charity night serves up a Low Country Boil, bringing the community together for a southern feast and kids who need a voice.The sixth annual event returns from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Bramble, 206 Gay St., Erwin. The boil will include live music, door prizes and a silent auction, with all proceeds supporting abused and neglected children through CASA of Northeast Tennessee.Melanie Feathers, executive director of the organization, said the event is a chance to bring the community together while raising money for local children in need."This event will provide a delicious Low Country Boil that everyone can eat until it's gone," she said. "The Unicoi County High School Bluegrass Band, led by Mr. Connor Brackins, will provide the entertainment. We also have door prizes and a silent auction that features an African safari trip."The organization is part of a network of 951 community-based programs nationwide that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected. More than 4,000 children are served through this network each year.Feathers said the charity night is designed to bring the community together around the mission of supporting those vulnerable children."All proceeds will stay local and support the advocacy work of CASA of Northeast TN," she said. "CASA NETN currently serves Unicoi, Greene and Washington Counties, utilizing highly trained volunteer advocates to be a voice for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court."She said the Low Country Boil theme has been part of the event since its inception six years ago."By design, a boil brings people together around the table," Feathers said. "That's what CASA wants to do. We want to bring the community together around the mission of helping abused and neglected children. This vulnerable population needs the support of their community to ultimately break the cycles of abuse."Feathers said Erwin was chosen as the host location because of the community's long-time support for CASA's mission."CASA NETN counts it a privilege to serve children in Unicoi County, and we have seen how this county supports CASA's advocacy efforts," she said. "We believe this community has the passion and the ability to change the narrative for abused and neglected children."Attendees can expect a buffet-style meal featuring shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage, along with desserts and beverages. Feathers said silent auction items include donations from Tennessee Hills Distillery, Red Fork and the African Safari experience.The event is sponsored by AO Smith and Eastman Credit Union. Individual tickets are $55, with tables for four available at $200 and tables for eight at $400.Looking ahead, Feathers said CASA NETN will begin training new volunteers in January. Feathers encouraged those interested in volunteering to submit applications now.She also noted that the Juvenile Court of Johnson County has expressed interest in establishing a CASA program. A community meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 10, at the Johnson County Courthouse in Mountain City to inform residents about how CASA can benefit the area.Tickets and more information are available by calling (423) 430-0447. Additional details about CASA and volunteer opportunities can be found at https://www.tncasa.org/.