CASA of Wyoming Valley holds annual gala
CASA Executive Director Ryan Schofield, center, stands with some of the members of the CASA Board of Directors at the annual CASA Gala at The Banks on Thursday night.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
CASA Senior Director of Operations Jade Levi, right, stands with CASA volunteers Shari Frank, left, and Sandy Serafin, center, during the annual CASA Gala held at The Banks, Pittston.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
CASA Board of Director’s Chairwoman Alexandra Grover, addresses the audience at The Banks for the annual CASA Gala at The Banks, Pittston on Thursday evening with CASA Executive Director Ryan Schofield standing in the wings.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
CASA Executive Director Ryan Schofield served at the master of ceremonies during the annual CASA Gala held at The Banks, Pittston, on Thursday night.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
M&T Bank’s Carmen Magistro addressed the audience as one of CASA’s biggest supporters throughout the year.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
CASA Executive Director Ryan Schofield, center, hands off a bouquet of flowers to Sandy Serafin, right, with Shari Frank, left, looking on after she received a bouquet as well.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
CASA Board of Director’s Chairwoman Alexandra Grover speaks to those gathereed for the annual CASA Gala held at The Banks, Pittston on Thursday evening.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
It’s been a big year for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Wyoming Valley in 2026. From graduating its biggest class of advocates to moving its office space, there was a lot to celebrate at the CASA Annual Gala on Thursday night.
Held at The Banks in Pittston, the theme of the night was to “savor the journey” with a travel-inspired gala experience that reflects the journeys children navigate through the foster care system, paired with international food stations and immersive storytelling.
Ryan Schofield, executive director of CASA of Wyoming Valley emceed the festivities.
Jade Levi, senior director of operations at CASA, shared the story of a child who spent 14 years in the program, referred to as S.J. in the story. S.J. was moved 16 times in her 14 years in the court system. Her constant was Donna, who was her advocate for 8 years. Sadly, Donna passed away in 2023. Afterward, Donna’s friend, Sandy, stepped in as S.J.’s advocate. Soon after, Sandy’s partner in life, Shari, became S.J.’s co-advocate.
This is just one example of how advocates support the best interests of a child going through the court system.
All funds raised on Thursday night go toward efforts to continue advocating for children who have experienced abuse and neglect across Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
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