CASA of Yuma County is hosting its 30th Anniversary Recognition and Awards Ceremony

Many CASA volunteers were surprised with special rewards – 13 Vanessa Gongora reports brought to you by

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, also known as CASA of Yuma County, held its 30th anniversary recognition and awards ceremony Friday night.

CASA advocates for children in the foster care system who need someone to speak for them in court.

The main awards given out were rookie of the year, CASA of the year and passer of the year.

The Roadrunner Award is given to the volunteer who goes the extra mile across Arizona to visit the children they represent in Yuma.

The recipient of the award, KS Zargarian, traveled more than 7,000 miles last year.

“And part of what we do is to deal with children. We also help to see brothers and sisters on a regular basis,” says Zargaryan.

Christina O’Brien received the CASA of the Year award in recognition of her support of abused and neglected children and her dedicated service to the Yuma County CASA Program.

Jonathan Sanchez won the rookie of the year award.

CASA pins were also awarded for years of service above 24 years.

Sponsors, Yuma Council for CASA, Inc. and Nova Home Loans received medals.

Edward Gilligan, Director of Juvenile Court, even had a little fun dressing up as Howard Stern and included a little game for the volunteers.