By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The unusual combination of sundresses and shrimp boots proved an irresistible draw for scores of River Parishes residents who came out to Frenier Landing Saturday evening to support the Cottages for CASA program.

The benefit, put on by Child Advocacy Services with the help of sponsors such as Re-Bath and Frenier Landing, took advantage of beautiful weather and an outdoor setting on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain in drawing the crowd out for food, music, a silent auction and the unveiling of this year’s cottage — a custom built children’s playhouse — which will be raffled off later in the year.

This is the third year CAS has had the Cottages for CASA program, but the Sundresses and Shrimp Boots party was the first time such a large-scale event was held for the unveiling. The party was such a success many are already discussing making it an annual event.

The Cottages for CASA program was started because CAS wanted to hold a fundraiser that was related to the population it serves, children.

‘It has grown, and we have a very committed volunteer force,” said Cottages for CASA Committee Chair Alexis Ducorbier. “It just seems to get better and better.”

According to Donna Bliss, director of community outreach for CAS, the function serves a purpose that goes beyond a mere fundraiser.

She said such events are crucial to getting the word out about the organization and recruiting volunteers to be court-appointed advocates.

“There is no child that understands why they have been taken from their parents,” she said. “Our goal is to give a child voice when they have none. It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of something so powerful.”

The silent auction may be over, but those wishing to help out and get a chance to win a custom playhouse have until Nov. 18 to do so. Raffle tickets are $10 for two chances and are available at www.childadv.net or by calling 1-800-798-1575.

Tickets can also be purchased at any local CAS office.