BERLIN – A local advocacy group is looking for pirates to “help sink child abuse” as it prepares for its annual fundraiser.
The Lower Shore Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program is looking for individual and business volunteers as its annual fundraiser, the Pirate Party, approaches.
“We don’t turn anybody away,” said Brigitte Southworth, director of CASA. “You just have to be willing to fundraise and dress up as a pirate for the party.”
The event, now in its seventh year, is critical to financing CASA, as it’s funded by a matching grant program. Last year, the Pirate Party raised $30,000.
“We’ve been fortunate,” Southworth said.
CASA, which operates through Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, relies on the funding to support its advocacy programs, which focus on helping children involved in the court system.
“We stay with them until they leave the system,” Southworth said. “We try to be the one constant in that child’s life.”
Last year, CASA volunteers helped 59 children in Worcester County. Southworth says the program’s role is vital, as its volunteers augment the work done by overloaded case workers from the Department of Social Services.
“We’re another set of eyes and ears for the court to make sure these kids don’t slip through the cracks,” said Southworth.
To make sure it has the funding to continue that mission, CASA will host its Pirate Party on May 15 at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City. Southworth is currently looking for volunteers interested in being pirates at the event. Pirates are tasked with raising $500 each prior to the party. On the night of the event, they will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening cruise on the water.
“That’s been really fun,” Southworth said.
She has also looking for area businesses to be party sponsors. Those that donate $1,000 will have their name included on event advertising and will be recognized with a banner at the party itself.
Southworth said Ocean City’s Insurance Management Group (IMG) was the first business to sign up.
“They’ve sponsored every year so far,” she said.
Reese Cropper III, president of the company, says he does what he can for CASA and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services because the organization has helped him as he’s struggled with mental health issues.
“I have strongly supported Worcester Youth and Family primarily because I am a person who fights the illness of depression on a regular basis and they helped me through some of my worst episodes,” Cropper said. “Additionally, I feel the CASA program is worthy of supporting to help children who need help from abuse.”
Cropper says he’s been attending the Pirate Party since it began.
“It has grown every year and seems to have become a social event you don’t want to miss,” he said.
For more information on being a pirate or a business sponsor, contact Southworth at 410-641-4598.