CASA TRAINING — In the picture, from left to right, are CASA volunteers; Vienna De la Garza, Leticia Perez, Clarice Williams and David Hall, listening to a presentation by Kleberg County Court at Law Judge Martin Chiuminatto. Brush County Court Appointed Special Advocates kicks off a series of event this weekend aimed at raising funds and community awareness as well as attracting and training new recruits.

A benefit car and truck show with proceeds going to CASA will be hosted by the Kingsville Auto Club on Saturday.

The Texas Independence Day Show and Shine event will be held form 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in historic downtown Kingsville by the Kingsville Railroad Depot Museum parking lot near South Street and Kleberg Avenue.

There is a $20 entrance fee, and entrants will receive a T-shirt and goodie back.

Plaques will be awarded to winning entries.

If there is rain Saturday the Show and Shine event will be held on March 13.

The Brush Country CASA Board of Directors will host its annual Red Kite fundraiser Saturday at the Student Union Ballroom on the campus of Texas A&M University Kingsville.

The fundraiser supports CASA’s work with abused and neglected children in Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, and Kleberg counties.

The event will feature dinner, a silent auction and entertainment.

The mistress of ceremonies will be Bonnie Hubert, Mrs. Texas International 2009, who is a CASA volunteer.

Ticket prices are: $35 per person, $65 per couple, or $280 per table of eight.

For more information contact Sylvia Perez at 592- 7444 or Deborah Dohoney at (361)664-9467.

Kleberg County Court at Law Judge Martin Chiuminatto spoke to new Brush Country CASA volunteers recently as part of the training to become a volunteer advocate.

Judge Chiuminatto said the work that CASA volunteers do is an extraordinary job that helps the children of the surrounding areas.

Judge Chiuminatto expressed his appreciation for the recommendations made by CASA volunteers, who play an important role in the lives of the children involved in the court system.

CASA is a non-profit organization which answers the needs of the children that have been victims of child abuse and neglect and are currently in foster care. The volunteers are assigned by a judge to spend time with these children to find the best home environment for the children.

When children go through the court system, the CASA volunteers are there to tell the judge which home would be best after researching the facts about the possible homes for the children.

CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal background check, and attend the free training sessions.

The next training is March 8 through March 12 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

To sign up for the next class please Lezette Villarreal at 361-595-7233 or 361-522- 1531.