News Release

(May 7, 2013)  San Diego, CA—The second annual Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser benefiting Voices for Children will be held the afternoon of May 11, 2013 at Lucky Jack Farm in Rancho Santa Fe, the equestrian facility of Patricia and Marc Brutten. As the name suggests, the event includes a festive atmosphere of fashion, fine wine, and good cheer. All event proceeds and a portion of retail sales benefit Voices for Children, San Diego County’s only agency designated by the Juvenile Court to provide volunteer advocates to foster youth.

Organized by Voices for Children and event co-chairs Patricia Brutten, Becca Craig, Gina Ellis, Claire Ellison, Marina Marrelli, and Cissy Wolfe, the Mother’s Day weekend fundraiser caters to women but does not exclude men. The 2013 event will again boast a glamorous fashion show and marketplace, premium wines, delectable bites, a live auction and opportunity drawing, trunk shows, and the Shoe Guys, who’ll be mingling through the crowd with the latest shoe styles on silver platters.

This year, attendees can double their philanthropic contributions thanks to an anonymous donor who has pledged to match all new and increased gifts to Voices for Children through June 30, 2013—up to $500,000. Thus, all qualifying gifts made to Wine, Women & Shoes will be multiplied.

“Wine, Women & Shoes is for women who love fashion, drinking wine, spending time with their girlfriends, and supporting great causes,” said Patricia Brutten, who noted that “Fund a CASA” is a bestselling auction item. “It’s very moving to be there and witness all the generosity from women in this community.”

Other live auction highlights include a trip to Sonoma for two couples; a trip for six to Napa Valley; a trip to Montana; an M Missoni dress; and an instant cellar, featuring more than 20 bottles of wine. An opportunity drawing will also be held for a chance to win a two-night stay at Rancho Valencia or “Keys to the Closet,” featuring 14 select items from Wine, Women & Shoes retail partners.

The fashion show will feature fashion lines brought in by stylist Kristi Brooks, including M Missioni, C. Wonder, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, and Max Mara. Both male and female models will be outfitted with the latest spring styles.

Event sponsors are Hughes Marino, First Foundation Advisors, Cox Communications, First American Title Insurance, The Ellis Family Foundation, Riviera Magazine, California Bank & Trust, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Wells Fargo, Jim & Amy Wood, Susan & Mark Mulzet, and Cissy & Scott Wolfe.

Marketplace retail partners include Bissel & Blaise, Ted Baker, Morton & Hudson, Julez by Julez Bryant, Double Happiness, Neck Art by Judy Keys, Jill Courtemanche Millinery, Del Mar Kids/The Back Room, Kerut, Sweet Paper, Margaux Lange, Kate Cusack, Flowerchild, Max Mara, and Bonfaire.

Participating wineries include Amberhill/Raymond, Bespoke Collection, Hope & Grace, Justin, Le Grande Courtage, Mason Cellars, O Wines, Tres Sabores, and Barrymore Wines, owned by actress Drew Barrymore, who has created a Pinot Grigio in honor of her family.

Food vendors include Venissimo Cheese, Crush, Giuseppe Catering, Continental Catering, The West Bean Coffee Company, and Cupcakes Squared.

Wine, Women & Shoes has produced more than 120 events nationally for various women’s and family-related causes. Last year’s event benefiting Voices for Children netted more than $113,000 for its CASA program.

For more information, including ticket sales and future sponsorship opportunities, visit www.winewomenandshoes.com/voicesforchildren or contact Jill Jones Mason at 858-598-2222 or JillJ@speakupnow.org.

For an abused or neglected child, a Court Appointed Special Advocate—a CASA volunteer—is someone who listens, reaching out to teachers, social workers, lawyers, caregivers, judges and anyone else who can help meet the child’s needs. The sole mission of a CASA is to help clear a path for a child out of the complex, overburdened child welfare system and into a safe, permanent home. Founded in 1980, Voices for Children, a private, nonprofit organization, has recruited, trained, and supervised thousands of CASAs who advocate for the rights and well-being of the more than 5,000 children who pass through foster care in San Diego County annually. As the only agency in San Diego County designated by the courts to provide CASA volunteers, Voices for Children has a vision called Serve Every Child: to provide by 2016 a CASA to every foster child who needs one. For more information about Voices for Children, to inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.speakupnow.org or call 858-569-2019.

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STARRY STARRY NIGHT GALA BENEFITING VOICES FOR CHILDREN TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 AT RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT

CO-CHAIRS OF THE EVENT ARE LISETTE & MICHAEL FARRELL AND ANNETTE & DAN BRADBURY

(April 11, 2013)  San Diego, CA-The signature event of Voices for Children (VFC) since 2002, Starry Starry Night is an elegant and fun evening under the stars, benefiting the 5,600 foster children of San Diego County. Last year’s gala grossed $1.2 million and was considered one of San Diego’s premier fundraising events. Co-chairing the 11^th annual event in 2013 are Lisette and Michael “Mick” Farrell and Annette and Dan Bradbury. All proceeds benefit VFC, which is a private, nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supervises Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to advocate for the abused, abandoned, and neglected children living in San Diego County’s foster care system.

Starry Starry Night will be held at the beautiful Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe, where last year the event was the resort’s first local charity fundraiser since its top-to-bottom renovation. In 2013, the evening will begin with an elegant cocktail hour, followed by a gourmet dinner served al fresco-the menu created by Eric Bauer, the award-winning chef at Rancho Valencia. An exciting live auction will be followed by musical entertainment and dancing under the canopy of stars, surrounded by the Mediterranean landscape of the resort.

“The CASA volunteers of Voices for Children are extraordinary, and we are proud to be able to raise funds to support them,” said Lisette Farrell, a member of the VFC Board of Directors. “Our CASAs make sure that children in foster care have their voices heard-in Court, in schools, and in the community.” Annette Bradbury concurred, “We hope that Starry Starry Night will not only educate our guests about the needs of foster children, but will inspire them to contribute generously to a wonderful cause.”

VFC President and CEO Sharon M. Lawrence expressed her hopes for Starry Starry Night 2013. “Now in its eleventh year, this has grown into one of our community’s most anticipated galas, grossing over $1 million the last two years. All net proceeds help us recruit volunteers from throughout the community, train them to the highest professional standard, and then assign them to foster children for whom they will serve as court advocates. This is an extraordinary group of individuals-1,000 CASA volunteers serving on the front lines of the foster care system and helping transform the lives of thousands of children. The success of Starry Starry Night is vital to the success of Voices for Children, and we are delighted to be working with Lisette, Mick, Annette, and Dan to create our most memorable event ever.”

Tables and tickets for Starry Starry Night are anticipated to sell out early, and go on sale July 1, 2013. Honorary Committee membership, sponsorships, and underwriting opportunities (with significant recognition benefits) are available now. For information on supporting Starry Starry Night, contact Jill Jones Mason at (858) 598-2222 or JillJ@speakupnow.org. For more information, visitwww.ssn2013.org.

STARRY STARRY NIGHT 2013 CO-CHAIRS

Lisette Farrell holds a Master of International Management degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, an MBA from INCAE in Costa Rica, and a Bachelor of Art in Marketing (Magna cum Laude) from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in her native Panama. She has work experience in strategic planning, marketing, and business development. Most recently, she was at Visa International where she was Manager for the Consumer Credit Products for the Latin America and Caribbean Region. Before Visa, Lisette worked at several banks and financial institutions. Lisette has been a member of the Voices for Children Board of Directors since 2011, and currently chairs the Marketing Committee. In March 2013, Michael J. (“Mick”) Farrell became Chief Executive Officer of ResMed, a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of products for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. Mick had served in a number of other senior posts since he joined the company in 2000. Prior to that, he worked in management consulting and biotechnology, as well as in chemicals and steel manufacturing at Arthur D. Little, Genzyme Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, and BHP Billiton. He is a Board member of the La Jolla Playhouse, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the New Children’s Museum, and the American Association for Homecare. Raised in Australia, he holds a Bachelor of Engineering with first-class honors from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Science in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Currently, the Farrells are members of the Contemporary Collectors at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and Director’s Circle members of the Museum of Photographic Arts. They also co-chaired a successful gala for the New Children’s Museum. They live in La Jolla with their two children.

Annette Bradbury is a pharmacist and community volunteer. She served on The Gillispie School’s Board of Trustees from 2006-2012 and led the Board during the independent school’s recent successful $4.5 million Endowment for Excellence in Teaching campaign. She is currently a member of the La Jolla-based philanthropic organization, Las Patronas. Between 1985 and 2000, she held various pharmaceutical positions at companies and hospitals in San Diego, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. She received her Bachelor of Pharmacy with honors in 1984 from London University, and her Professional Certificate in Clinical Trial Design & Management in 1999 from UCSD. A native of England, Annette has lived in La Jolla for 18 years with her husband and two children. Dan Bradbury is a Life Sciences Executive with over 30 years of experience creating and implementing strategies that transform businesses, bring novel medicines to market, and maximize shareholder value. He is the Managing Member of BioBrit, LLC, a Life Sciences Consulting and Investment Firm. Dan is the former President, CEO, and Director of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego and focused on metabolic diseases. During his 18-year tenure at Amylin, the company launched three first-in-class medicines, including the first once-a-week therapy to treat diabetes, and was listed on the Nasdaq 100. Before joining Amylin, Dan worked in marketing and sales roles for 10 years at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. He serves on a number of corporate and advisory boards, as well as the Keck Graduate Institute Board of Trustees, UCSD Rady School of Management Advisory Council and the University of Miami’s Innovation Corporate Advisory Council. He received a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Nottingham University and a Diploma in Management Studies from Harrow and Ealing Colleges of Higher Education in the United Kingdom. The Bradburys have been long-time supporters of Voices for Children, as well as many other organizations, including JDRF, ADA, and UCSD.

ABOUT VOICES FOR CHILDREN

For 33 years, Voices for Children has advocated for the rights and well-being of San Diego County’s abused children in the courtroom, in school, and in the community, primarily through our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program. Our mission is to transform the lives of children who have been taken into foster care for their own safety. By monitoring their court cases, and through the advocacy of trained volunteer CASAs, VFC ensures that the judge on the case has current and pertinent information when making decisions about a child’s living situation, visits with siblings, medical and educational needs, and other services.

Voices for Children depends almost completely on private contributions and is dedicated to helping foster children-advocating for them to find their “forever families” and beat the odds of failure that haunt so many former foster youth. VFC’s volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) go through extensive training before being sworn in by a judge and are in many ways the court’s eyes and ears for the most difficult foster cases. Much more than mentors, VFC volunteers serve as a “voice” for children in court and give recommendations to the judge so that the very best decisions can be made for the life of every child.

Voices for Children launched Starry Starry Night in 2002 to raise money for the agency’s CASA Program. The goal in Fiscal Year 2012-13 is to have more than 1,000 CASAs advocating for 1,735 foster children. However, with more than 5,000 children living in foster care in San Diego County today, we need to expand so we can provide a CASA volunteer to every child who needs one. Sharon Lawrence, President and CEO of Voices for Children, explained, “This is why Voices for Children and its Board of Directors established our Serve Every Child vision-to double the number of children served by 2016. To accomplish this requires broad support from the community to recruit more volunteers and fund their training and supervision. The net proceeds from Starry Starry Night impact the lives of San Diego’s abused and neglected children by supporting the work of our volunteer CASAs, who are the heart of our organization.”

For more information about Voices for Children, to inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer, or to make a donation, please visit www.speakupnow.org.

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Makua’s 60^th annual fundraising event, “Back to the Beach,” 
supporting Voices for Children and its CASA Program, 
will take place on June 1, 2013 at the beautiful Kona Kai Resort on Shelter Island

 

March 29, 2013, San Diego, California -This year Makua’s annual fundraiser benefiting Voices for Children’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, will coincide with the 60th anniversary of Makua’s mission to help San Diego’s children. Makua’s Back to the Beach will transport guests back to the time and place where Makua’s fundraising began, with a 1950′s style island party at the beautiful Kona Kai Resort on San Diego’s Shelter Island. The Kona Kai’s island ambience and Makua’s mission together inspired the name “Makua,” which is Hawaiian for “parent.” The proceeds from Makua’s initial fundraiser in 1953 totaled $1,456.22. Since 2004, Makua has raised more than $1,000,000 in support of Voices for Children. The net proceeds received from this year’s event will help fund the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who work with VFC to serve the more than 5,000 foster children in San Diego’s dependency court system.

Back to the Beach will feature both silent and live auctions where guests will have the opportunity to bid on exciting and unique experiences such as a week sailing on the luxury yacht “The World,” the only private residential community-at-sea where residents travel the globe without ever leaving home; or fabulous Dugout Seats at Petco Park to watch in style while the Padres play. The evening will culminate with dancing to the rocking sounds of JOCKO AND THE ROCKETS, featuring Jocko from the SHA NA NA TV show, veteran of the movie GREASE, and the WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL. As always, Makua promises to continue its 60-year tradition of putting the “FUN into FUNdraiser” with this year’s event. Between the location, historic anniversary, and live entertainment, Makua expects this event to sell out early, as it did last year. Co-chairs of Makua’s Back to the Beach are Jonni Bailey, Cindy Garrett, and Sherri Worthen.

As an additional incentive this year, an anonymous donor to Voices for Children has made an extraordinary offer. The donor will match-dollar for dollar-all gifts from new donors or increased gifts from existing Makua donors, up to $500,000! To qualify, gifts must be received between January and June 30, 2013. So supporters of Makua’s Back to the Beach have a chance to DOUBLE their contribution, and help meet an ambitious goal that will provide 400 foster children with CASA volunteers and case assessment to 1,200 children waiting for their CASAs!

Founded in 1980, Voices for Children transforms the lives of abused, neglected children in San Diego County by providing them with volunteer CASAs. Advocates receive training to empower them for their diverse responsibilities for foster children, including investigating legal issues, determining and making recommendations about the living placement of the child, following the child’s progress through various placements or services, and facilitating communication with all of the parties involved with a case. VFC is a private, nonprofit organization, funded almost entirely by private donors. This fiscal year, more than 800 CASAs will provide services to1,735 foster children. VFC’s vision, however, is to expand so that a CASA can be provided to every child in the foster care system who needs one. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the lives of all of San Diego County’s foster children.

Makua event co-chair and VFC Board Liaison Cindy Garrett said, “We want our community to realize that the CASA Program does not just benefit foster children-it affects each and every one of us, because CASAs guide these children to become successful, productive adults who no longer are destined to repeat the mistakes of their abusive parents and caregivers. Studies conclude that for every dollar spent on ‘prevention’ today, seven dollars are returned to the public by not having to pay for welfare, MediCal, police, prison and remedial education services in the future. Makua members believe that if enough people appreciate how indispensable CASAs are to our community, then they will want to support the CASA program through events like Back to the Beach.”

Makua members enjoy the camaraderie of friends getting together to help a good cause, their time and effort paid forward to a local foster child who will receive a CASA and the enriching guidance and support they desperately need. Makua members join a legacy of women who have been making a difference in the lives of local children in need for six decades. For information about joining Makua, please contact the Membership Director at membership@makua.org.

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News Release

 Contact:

Jennifer Morrissey, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Voices for Children

Phone: (858) 598-2213, Email: jenniferm@speakupnow.org

 

 Voices for Children’s Young Professionals Group to Host Mixer to Benefit San Diego County Foster Children

(February 7, 2013)  San Diego — The Young Professionals Group (YPG), an auxiliary of Voices for Children (VFC), announces its 2013 Kickoff Mixer. Proceeds from the event, which will take place on February 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at UTC hot spot La Jolla Strip Club, will benefit VFC’s mission to provide Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to San Diego County’s abused and neglected foster children.

The mixer, for professionals under age 40, is an opportunity to network with other established and emerging professionals while learning how VFC is addressing the foster care crisis in San Diego County. The event will feature a special presentation by a YPG member who is also a CASA, as well as drink specials and free raffle prizes. Registration is not required.

In lieu of an entry fee, YPG is asking each guest to make a suggested donation of $5 and/or to bring a new book appropriate for adolescent or pre-adolescent children. YPG’s year-end goal is to raise $15,000 to help fund the recruitment, training, and supervision of more CASAs. Last year, the group raised $11,000.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers empowered by the Juvenile Dependency Court to help determine and implement decisions that are in the best interests of their assigned foster children, advocating for them in the courtroom as well as in the classroom and community. With a “Serve Every Child” vision to expand the CASA program and reduce the number of children on the CASA waiting list, Voices for Children employs various outreach efforts—in part with help from VFC ambassadors, such as YPG.

YPG seeks to connect the San Diego community with the core work of Voices for Children and to provide YPG members with social events, networking opportunities, and a foray into the dynamic world of philanthropy and fundraising in San Diego County. Ultimately, YPG supplements and enhances the work of Voices for Children.

For directions to the event or more information, please call Rebecca Reyes, YPG Liaison, at 858-598-2232 or e-mail Rebecca at rebeccar@speakupnow.org.

ABOUT VOICES FOR CHILDREN

Founded in 1980, Voices for Children has recruited, trained and supervised CASAs who advocate for the rights and well-being of the more than 5,000 children who pass through foster care in San Diego County annually. As the only agency in San Diego County designated by the courts to provide CASA volunteers, Voices for Children has a vision called “Serve Every Child”: to provide by 2016 a CASA to every foster child who needs one. For more information about Voices for Children, to inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.speakupnow.org or call (858) 569–2019.

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News Release

 Contact:

Jennifer Morrissey, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Voices for Children

Phone: (858) 598-2213, Email: jenniferm@speakupnow.org

Voices for Children Announces Upcoming Volunteer
Info Sessions for Future Foster Child Advocates

(January 16, 2013)  San Diego — In an effort to recruit more Court Appointed Special Advocates for San Diego County’s foster children, Voices for Children is pleased to invite County residents to attend one of several upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions, including a special “Meet the CASAs” panel presentation.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, help the Juvenile Dependency Court determine and implement decisions that are in the best interests of their assigned foster children, advocating for them in the courtroom as well as in the classroom and community. With a “Serve Every Child” vision to expand the CASA program and reduce the number of children on the CASA waiting list, Voices for Children is asking the community to step forward and be a voice for one of the 5,000+ children in San Diego County’s foster care system.

The upcoming Information Session dates and times are as follows:

Wednesday	January 30	6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.	Kearny Mesa
Saturday	February 2	10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.	Kearny Mesa
Wednesday Saturday Wednesday	February 20 March 2 March 13	5:30 to 7 p.m. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.	Kearny Mesa Cardiff Kearny Mesa

 

For location and to reserve a space, please call Susan Smith, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, at 858-598-2235 or e-mail Susan at susans@speakupnow.org.

Attending an Information Session is the first step to becoming a CASA volunteer. Topics covered include why CASA volunteers are so important, the requirements for becoming a CASA, what a CASA does, training, case child assignments, conflicts of interest, and other important points. The session will conclude with a CASA guest speaker.

The Jan. 30 Information Session will include a panel of active CASA volunteers who will share their experiences with Voices for Children, its CASA training program, and the foster children for whom they advocate. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet these CASAs and to ask them questions. Light refreshments will be served.

CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid California’s driver license, and clear a criminal background check. They must also be willing to commit to a minimum of 18 months of CASA service.

“CASAs are remarkable people,” said Sharon Lawrence, President and CEO of Voices for Children. “These volunteers are ‘regular’ men and women. They’re students, working people, retired people … all thoroughly trained to help make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected foster children. CASAs can often accomplish what case-laden lawyers and social workers cannot, cutting through red tape to fully assess and address a child’s situation. We urge members of the San Diego community to share our ‘Serve Every Child’ vision, to open their hearts, and to sign up for an info session today.”

ABOUT VOICES FOR CHILDREN

For an abused or neglected child, a Court Appointed Special Advocate—a CASA volunteer—is someone who listens, reaching out to teachers, social workers, lawyers, caregivers, judges and anyone else who can help meet the child’s needs. The sole mission of a CASA is to help clear a path for a child out of the complex, overburdened child welfare system and into a safe, permanent home. Founded in 1980, Voices for Children has recruited, trained and supervised CASAs who advocate for the rights and well-being of the more than 5,000 children who pass through foster care in San Diego County annually. As the only agency in San Diego County designated by the courts to provide CASA volunteers, Voices for Children has a vision called “Serve Every Child”: to provide by 2016 a CASA to every foster child who needs one. For more information about Voices for Children, to inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.speakupnow.org or call (858) 569–2019.

 

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