When children enter the foster care system, they face uncertainty and instability—but that’s where CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) steps in, offering a consistent presence and advocacy on their behalf. When the CASA of the 18th JDC chapter opened last year, it marked a significant milestone for Louisiana, with volunteers now serving children in every parish.

“Our community has stepped up to support us in tremendous ways,” says Kendall Hebert, CASA of the 18th JDC’s executive director. The community backing was evident at a recent Celebrity Waiter fundraiser, which raised a record-breaking $214,000 for the chapter.

The Celebrity Waiter event, introduced to the West Side by Blaine Rabalais in 2015 and organized for several years by his sister, Bridget Easley, selected CASA of the 18th JDC as its benefactor this year.

Pulling off a large-scale fundraiser complete with dinner, an open bar, photo ops, an auction and 15 celebrity waiters is no small feat, but Easley credits teamwork for the impact of this year’s event. “The biggest tip is having a reliable core group you can count on,” she says, emphasizing the value of a dedicated committee who she found in co-chairs Claudia Bourgeois, Melanie Clouatre and Stacie Keller.

The West Side’s deep sense of community and the dedication of volunteers that made the event a success also drive the impact of CASA of the 18th JDC.

“This event solidified the commitment of our three parishes to stand firm for our most vulnerable children,” Hebert says.

Volunteers work directly with children, committing around 10 hours a month for in-person visits and check-in phone calls to build meaningful connections and gather information to best advocate for them in court. “Volunteers often form strong relationships with the children they serve,” Hebert explains. One CASA volunteer even went out of their way to bring a birthday cake to a child who had never celebrated their birthday. While the emotional investment may seem daunting to some, Hebert encourages people to see it as the driving force behind their impact. “You wouldn’t have the passion to serve if you didn’t care deeply for the children,” she says.

CASA volunteers don’t just show up during the case—they become lasting, positive influences in these children’s lives. Some volunteers have been there to walk their CASA child down the aisle or show up for Grandparents Day even after the case has closed. “They become a constant in these children’s lives, and that’s where the true impact lies,” Hebert says.

Through every challenge and milestone, CASA ensures that no child faces life’s most challenging moments alone. For information on volunteering or attending next year’s Celebrity Waiter fundraiser, follow CASA of the 18th JDC on Facebook.