The Connection Newsletter | October 2025 Edition

Season of Change, A Community of Impact

A message from our Executive Director

Dear Friend,

Fall reminds us that change, though gradual, is powerful. As leaves turn and the air grows crisp, I'm reminded of the quiet, steady impact of supporters like you.

Your generosity, compassion, and commitment fuel our work every day. Whether through time, monetary support, or energy, your efforts plant seeds of hope for children and families who need it most. These seeds, seemingly small now, are already growing into something extraordinary.

Together, we're building a future where every child is safe, supported, and cared for. It’s not just about responding to need—it’s about reshaping what’s possible. And that kind of change takes a dedicated community.

As we step into this new season, I invite you to reflect on the vital role you play. Your support is not just appreciated—it’s foundational to everything we do.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. I am endlessly grateful for your partnership.

Wishing you a warm and inspiring season ahead.

With gratitude,

Amy Sugimoto

Executive Director

An Evening of Hope: Bite Nite Raises $237,000

On Friday, September 19, more than 200 guests came together at the Rocklin Event Center for our sold-out Evening of Hope Gala—Bite Nite. The night was filled with community, connection, and incredible generosity.

Guests sampled bites from over 25 of the region’s top restaurants, danced to live music from Hip Service, and raised their paddles during the live auction and Fund-a-Need.

Thanks to the outpouring of support, we raised $237,000 in one night—fueling advocacy and programs that transform the lives of foster youth, at-risk children, and families in crisis across Placer, Yuba, and Sutter Counties.

This remarkable success would not have been possible without our presenting sponsor, the Beth Frkovich Foundation, whose leadership and generosity anchored the event. We are deeply grateful to them, along with our restaurant partners, donors, volunteers, and guests. Together, we proved that anything is possible when our community comes together.

✨ Watch the highlight video below to see the evening in action.

CASA Expands to Sutter County

Sworn in and stepping forward

We’re excited to share that CASA services are now available in Sutter County! This expansion brings hope and opportunity to more foster youth, ensuring they have the steady, compassionate advocacy of a CASA by their side.

Our team is already collaborating with local courts and community leaders to provide children in Sutter County the stability, support, and guidance they deserve. Together, we’re creating stronger communities—one child at a time.

Buck for Kids Giveback Day Raises $4,889

We’re excited to announce the results of Dutch Bros’ Buck for Kids Day—together, we raised $4,889 for CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter!

The Dutch Bros Foundation generously donated $1 from every drink sold at 5 participating locations across our region, with customers also adding their own donations at the window.

We’re especially grateful to Heather Mauel, Franchise Owner of Dutch Bros Coffee Gold Country, for nominating CASA to be this year’s beneficiary.

Thanks to this incredible community effort, more foster children, at-risk youth, and families will receive the support they need.

A huge thank-you to Dutch Bros and everyone who came out to give back!

Krista Lopez: A Steadfast Advocate in Times of Change

When placements shift and stability feels out of reach, CASA volunteers like Krista Lopez step in to make all the difference. Krista is currently serving two children in a sibling group of five—a three-year-old and a seven-year-old—both facing tremendous challenges.

In just the last month, the seven-year-old has experienced two placement changes and is now living in a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) outside of the area. Moves like these can be incredibly disruptive, but Krista has gone to great lengths to help her CASA child adjust. Using trauma-informed approaches, she’s been teaching him how to find safe spaces wherever he is and helping him regulate so he doesn’t become overwhelmed or reactive.

The demands of Krista’s case have grown significantly, with the children now placed in two separate counties, yet she continues to show up with extraordinary commitment. On top of her advocacy for the children, Krista also supports CASA staff with court notetaking, proving once again that she’s willing to go above and beyond.

Krista embodies what it means to be a CASA: consistent, compassionate, and steadfast in the face of challenges. She’s truly a rockstar advocate for her CASA kids, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and safe no matter what changes come their way.

Change a Child's Story

Right now, 306 local children are waiting for a CASA advocate to stand by their side. These children deserve someone to speak up for them—someone who will ensure they feel safe, seen, and supported.

Email volunteer@casaconnects.org

or click HERE to get started.

Upcoming Volunteer Training

With just a few hours a month, you can make a life-changing impact. We provide all the training you need—what we need is your heart.

In January, we’re offering a Super Saturday training option, where you can complete the full training over two Saturdays—January 24 and January 31.

Click HERE for our 2025/2026 training schedule.

Ribbon Cut. A New Chapter Begins.

Our Yuba-Sutter ribbon cutting was more than a celebration—it was a reflection of the community’s commitment to advocacy and connection.

We are excited to share that CASA has officially opened the doors of our brand-new Yuba-Sutter office! This new space is more than just an address—it’s a commitment to advocacy, connection, and community for the children, youth, and families we serve in Yuba and Sutter Counties.

The ribbon-cutting celebration was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together. With support from the office of Assemblyman James Gallagher and Senator Jim Nielsen, Supervisors Jeff Stephens and Karm Bains, Judges Debra Givens and Jesse Santana, and many other local leaders and partners, the event truly reflected the strength of collaboration.

October Volunteer of the Month

Honoring CASA Kimberly Crawford

We’re thrilled to celebrate CASA Kimberly Crawford as our October Volunteer of the Month!

Kimberly’s journey as a CASA has been nothing short of inspiring. Though she has faced challenges along the way, she has remained steadfast. Showing dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to her CASA child. Thanks to her hard work and compassionate heart, incredible progress has been made.

The young girl Kimberly serves has been in foster care since the age of 4 and is now 17, set to age out in July 2026. For more than 12 years, she has endured constant moves from placement to placement, most recently to a foster home in Southern California. Before that, she experienced years without consistent care or stability. Her mother left her in the care of an acquaintance when she was just 4 years old, promising someone would come back for her—but no one ever did. Since then, she has had no stable adult in her life.

Despite her struggles socially, mentally, and academically—and her difficulty trusting adults—she has allowed herself to form a meaningful, trusting relationship with Kimberly. This bond is opening doors for healing, stability, and hope.

Kimberly has also stepped in as the Educational Rights Holder for her CASA child, an important role that has created opportunities for academic growth and success.

Thank you, Kimberly, for making such a powerful difference in the life of a young woman who needed someone to believe in her. It’s because of passionate advocates like you that foster youth can navigate life with more support, stability, and hope. We are deeply grateful for everything you do!

October Continuing Education

1. Juvenile Dependency Court Process

Hon. Judge Debra Givens of Yuba County Dependency Court will share her perspective on the dependency court system and its role in protecting children and strengthening families. Click HERE to sign up.

Monday, October 6, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Annex Room, 970 Klamath Way, Yuba City

2. Education Advocacy Toolkit

This session will focus on advocating for the educational needs of your CASA youth, understanding what it means to serve as an Education Rights Holder, and exploring the role of a foster youth liaison in supporting students. All attendees will receive the new Education Advocacy Toolkit, developed by the Placer County Office of Education in partnership with CASA. SIGN UP early to reserve your spot!

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Roseville Office, 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Suite 260

Donor Advised Fund Day 2026

With the season of giving just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make your generosity go further.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 9th—it's National Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Day! If you're unfamiliar with DAFs, think of them as a charitable savings account. They offer a simple, tax-efficient way to support the causes you're passionate about.

Here’s how a DAF works:

Contribute: Add cash, securities, or other assets to your fund and get an immediate tax deduction.
Recommend: Suggest grants from your DAF to qualified charities whenever it suits you.
Grow: Your contributions are invested and can grow tax-free, potentially increasing your giving power.

As one of the fastest-growing charitable giving tools in the U.S., DAFs streamline your donations and maximize their impact.

Ready to make your giving more purposeful and tax-savvy? A DAF could be the smart, rewarding solution you're looking for. Speak with your financial advisor to learn how you can support CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter.

How It Works

Why Give Through a DAF?

Tax Efficiency: Maximize tax savings with upfront deductions, avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, and grow your giving tax-free.

Convenience: Manage all your philanthropy in one convenient place.

Accessibility: Many DAF providers have low minimum contribution requirements, mobile apps, and a dedicated payment option (DAFpay) that make giving more seamless.

Impact: Donors give twice as much to the causes they love once they use a DAF, and they are 15% more committed to the organizations they support.

How You Can Get Started

Step 1: Choose a DAF Provider

You can open a DAF through many financial institutions or community foundations. Some of the most common national DAF sponsors include:

Already have a financial advisor? Ask them whether your current institution offers DAFs or which institution would be best for you.

Step 2: Open Your Account

Visit the provider’s website and follow their process to open a DAF account. You’ll need to:

Create an account
Name your DAF (e.g., “The Smith Giving Fund”)
Make an initial contribution

Step 3: Fund Your DAF

You can contribute:

Cash or checks
Appreciated stocks or mutual funds
Cryptocurrency or other non-cash assets

Contributions are tax-deductible in the year they are made.

Step 4: Recommend Grants to California CASA

Once your DAF is funded, you can begin recommending grants to causes you care about—like CASA of Placer Yuba & Sutter!

Here’s the information you’ll need:

Name: CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter

EIN: #77-0620948

Mailing Address: 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747

Volunteer Resource: Free & Low-Cost Activities

Looking for budget-friendly ways in Placer County to connect with your CASA youth or family in October?

Click HERE for some simple ideas.

How You Can Help Fundraising

Become a Champion for Change

For just $20 a month—less than the cost of a cup of coffee—you can help transform lives. Your ongoing support fuels resources for foster children, at-risk youth, and families.

Make a Donation

Every dollar makes an impact. Your gift helps CASA of Placer, Yuba, and Sutter continue vital work for foster children, at-risk youth, and families in crisis.

Donate Now ▶

Create Your Own Fundraiser

From BBQs to birthday parties, your creativity can inspire generosity. Gather friends, family, or colleagues and make a lasting impact.

Send us an email ▶

Leave a Legacy

Include CASA in your will or trust to create a brighter future for children for generations to come.

Send us an email ▶

Big Day of Giving

Be part of one of the region’s most impactful fundraisers. Rally your network and give back where it matters most.

How to Get Involved ▶

Other Ways to Give

Donor Advised Fund: On October 9th, CASA of Placer, Yuba & Sutter will join thousands of nonprofits nationwide in celebrating DAF Day. This is a powerful opportunity to create lasting change for foster children, at-risk youth, and families in crisis in our community.

Planned Giving: Leave a lasting legacy by including CASA in your estate plans.

Vehicle Donations: Donate a car, truck,

or RV—fast, easy, tax-deductible.

Matching Gifts: Many employers match donations—double your impact!

Interested? Email katja@casaconnects.org