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Local Community Pulls Together to Benefit CASA of Talbot County

C’est si bon describes “An Evening in Paris,” CASA of Talbot County’s spring fundraiser at the Old Armory in Easton on April 25. Thanks to the combined talents of Jill Judd and Jamie Merida and the generosity of multiple donors, guests found the Armory transformed into a Parisian setting, complete with fresh flower gardens, live trees, winding cobblestone streets, glowing lampposts, a flowing fountain, a crepe shop and a twinkling, 16-foot tall Eiffel Tower. Cabaret music a la Erin Dickens and Friends set the perfect mood for a delightful evening of fun that included a Parisian street-scape façade, French cuisine by Ken’s Creative Kitchen, mimes, caricature artistry donated by Joe Mayer, and an International Wine Shop, stocked with hundreds of donated wine bottles.

“We are so pleased that our event has been such a success and enjoyed by over 200 of CASA’s friends and supporters”, said Robin Davenport, CASA of Talbot County’s Executive Director. “None of this would have been possible without the support of our sponsors and the monumental effort of so many who volunteered their time and talents to create this spectacular evening. The Event Committee, chaired by CASA Board member Christina Hoff, pulled out all the stops to benefit CASA of Talbot County. Jamie Merida provided decorations galore from his store, Bountiful, and donated his artistic skills by painting faux street scenery. The International Wine Committee, chaired by Bruce Summer, Bill Corace and Christina Hoff, collected over 250 donated bottles of wine, some valued as high as $350. Using a new twist on the grab bag concept, guests enjoyed the opportunity to make a donation to CASA and select a wrapped wine bottle. Peach Blossoms Catering helped to underwrite the cost of glassware and rental items. Skilled and generous volunteers, including Dave and Martha Tuthill, Barc Upchurch, Chuck Callahan, Easton High School students, Judd, Merida, Hoff and a cadre of others, donated close to a thousand hours and reams of materials for the Parisian street scenery, a custom-built wainscoted bar, stunning fresh flower topiaries and arrangements, potted plants, trees and larger-than-life silk flower creations. Together with the sponsors, the overwhelming generosity of the wonderful individuals in our community helped to minimize the expenses to produce the event, thus allowing more of our dollars to be spent on our work with vulnerable children who need volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates.”