Families of Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds come together to support Ohio CASA Network

Multiple fundraisers organized by significant others will benefit CASA volunteers in Ohio and the children they serve

Family members of Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds athletes teamed up in June to put on a series of fundraisers to benefit the Ohio CASA Network, culminating in a charity softball game.

The group of family members raised funds and awareness for Ohio CASA. For example, in early June, the inaugural effort featured a fundraiser at Sora, a sushi and Asian Fusion restaurant in Downtown Cleveland.

There was also a silent auction at the busy restaurant where information about Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer work was shared with diners.

On June 9th, Ohio CASA hosted its second “CASA Day” with the Cleveland Guardians. This is part of Ohio CASA’s Summer Ballpark Campaign, which focuses on showing appreciation to CASA volunteers and raising awareness about CASA programs.

Nearly 300 CASA volunteers, families, and other supporters from across Ohio came together wearing blue CASA t-shirts to watch the Guardians take on the Reds.

Summit County CASA volunteer and foster parent Aimee Hubbert, alongside her twin sons, threw out the first pitch at the game on behalf of CASA volunteers.

The family was greeted by Samantha Kwan and Jordyn Pagán, two of the CASA supporters leading the effort. The family also got to meet their spouses, Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan and Reds Pitcher Emilio Pagán during the first pitch.

“This was an experience our family will never forget,” said Hubbert. “This was the first time the boys have ever been to a baseball game, and it was magical. The support for CASA volunteers and children means so much.”

Later, families from both Ohio teams faced off in a charity softball game, before presenting the Ohio CASA Network with a check for $18,500. This money and other related donations will benefit CASA programs in Hamilton and Cuyahoga Counties, as well as the entire state network of CASA programs.

“This generous support will directly benefit CASA volunteers in Ohio and the children they serve,” said Ohio CASA/GAL Association Executive Director Doug Stephens. “It has been a joy to work with the families on this important project. We believe every Ohio child experiencing abuse and neglect deserves a caring, consistent, and highly trained adult in their corner. This effort gets us even closer to reaching every child in need.”

CASA volunteers will also visit the Cincinnati Reds’ Great American Ball Park later in June as part of this campaign.

The Ohio CASA/GAL Association is deeply appreciative of the support from these two groups, Sora Restaurant in Cleveland, and creative agency Underdogs, who helped with event planning and audio-visual elements.

There are currently CASA programs in 62 Ohio counties where community members step up to advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect.

To learn more about how you can help Ohio children in need, check out our mission.