The Advance “Yumion’d” in TLC CASA Fundraiser

The Advance got “Yumion’d” last week as part of the TLC CASA community fundraiser begun April 8 and continuing during the annual Vidalia Onion Festival. Publisher William F. Ledford, Jr., greeted CASA representatives who “planted” little Yumion cutouts along the entrance to The Advance on First Street. It was all in fun and for a good cause. Connie Clifton, Volunteer coordinator for TLC CASA, explained the campaign as she and volunteer Belinda Brantley set up the display. “We wanted to stage the local fundraiser in conjunction with the community’s biggest event, the Onion Festival,” and we have been very busy.”

She said local merchants and individuals who donated funds to “Yumion” sites across the community have been more than generous. Clifton said her goal is $4,000, and contributions have been edging closer to that amount; in fact, the campaign has been so successful that Clifton has been contemplating pushing it into the first week of May.

The CASA staff and volunteers have been on the run staging the display, which usually stays up about 24-48 hours and is then “harvested” and moved to another location. The lucky recipient of the Yumion display can add to the fun by making a tax-deductible contribution and selecting the next “victim” for re-planting. Clifton pointed out that TLC CASA, which is headquartered in Dublin, serves a 15-county area including Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler counties. The nonprofit organization receives government funding that requires local matches, therefore, local fundraising is necessary. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, which is a volunteer- powered network of citizens committed to ensuring foster children have a chance for a better life. Appointed and empowered directly by the courts, CASA volunteers advocate for a child’s best interest. To learn more about CASA or to volunteer, call 478-275-8100 X6 or 912-245-9551.