Hundreds of community members gathered under the stars on Oct. 3 for Voices for Children’s signature Starry Starry Night gala on The Heron Lawn at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. Together, attendees, sponsors, and supporters contributed an impressive $1.3 million for Voices for Children and its Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, according to a news release.

The funds will help recruit, train, and support CASA volunteers who speak up for children in foster care and help ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. Last year, more than 1,300 CASAs, along with Voices for Children staff, provided direct advocacy to almost 2,400 youth in foster care across San Diego and Riverside Counties.

The organization also provided case monitoring services to hundreds of other children who may need an advocate in the future. Voices for Children Board Chair Pat Swan chaired the event with board members Rob Borthwick and Mark Wernig. Their leadership underscored a striking gap: Voices for Children reports that more than half of children in foster care are boys, yet only 15% to 20% of CASAs are men, highlighting the need for more male volunteers to serve as advocates and positive influences for young men living in foster care, the news release stated.

The evening opened with a lively cocktail reception before guests moved into an inspiring program emceed by Marcella Lee, anchor and reporter at CBS News 8.

Highlights included the premiere of two new impact videos spotlighting the transformative power of CASA advocacy:

CASA José: This video shares the heartfelt story of Jason and his CASA, José, who became a dependable advocate during one of the most uncertain and challenging periods of Jason’s life. José’s consistent presence helped Jason navigate foster care, graduate from high school, and move forward on a journey that ultimately led to reunification with his mother, whose hard work and determination made that reunion possible.

CASA Kavita: This video celebrates CASA Kavita’s 11 years of dedicated advocacy and the lasting bond she has built with her assigned youth, Brianna, whom she first met at age 11. Through years of change and important milestones, CASA Kavita has remained a consistent advocate, listening without judgment, showing up again and again, and demonstrating how the simple acts of caring, laughing, and being there can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

CASA Kavita became involved as a CASA through her employer, MG Properties, a longtime supporter of Voices for Children’s mission. The video also recognized MG Properties’ tremendous support and ongoing commitment to helping Voices for Children provide critical advocacy for children in foster care, the news release stated.

At the gala, the organization also announced the appointment of Tim Ney as its incoming president and CEO. A San Diego native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Ney brings more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including senior roles with Feeding America San Diego, the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, and Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties. He will lead Voices for Children into its next chapter with a focus on mission, people, and community impact.

“Our supporters, volunteers, and staff at Voices for Children have changed the lives of thousands of children in foster care,” said Voices for Children Board Chair Pat Swan in the news release. “For 46 years, we have never wavered from our mission of providing a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer to every child in foster care who needs one. This year’s Starry Starry Night gala is a celebration of all we’ve achieved together, but it’s also a call to action for everyone who wants to see children succeed, no matter their circumstances.

“As we look to the future, we are thrilled to welcome Tim Ney as our next president and CEO. His deep commitment to service and extensive nonprofit leadership experience will help guide Voices for Children into its next chapter while building on the strong foundation that has made this work possible. We look forward to our community’s continued support and remain committed to our promise to be there for the children who need us more than ever today, and for years to come.”

To become a CASA or support Voices for Children, visit speakupnow.org

Male CASA volunteers are especially needed.