Leap Day was the perfect time to get spirits soaring, and Casey Cares sure did so. Amid the elegant backdrop of the Breakers West Country Club was an elevated evening of inspirational fun during “An Evening with Casey Cares” on Saturday, Feb. 29. The inaugural event raised more than $38,000 and included hundreds of local supporters, board members, business leaders and media representatives that make the nonprofit’s palliative programs possible for critically ill children.
“We are blown away by the support of so many during our newest event,” said Casey Baynes, founder of Casey Cares. “Over the last few months, we have been able to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences for so many children and families. Knowing we have this support helps to bring our services to even more children and families during their time of need.”
The Casey Cares Foundation was founded after Baynes was inspired to create a nonprofit focused on providing special experiences for families with a child who is fighting a life-threatening disease that requires frequent hospitalizations. For some, the family events may be the only reprieve from hospital stays and doctors’ visits. For others, they may be one of the last events they will attend with all family members present.
For children who are hospital-bound, Casey Cares found a special way to bring joy — new pajamas. The program, called “Kami’s Jammies” is in memory of a young Casey Cares patient who loved to receive new pajamas when she was in the hospital.
The recent event featured a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a delicious dinner and heartwarming program that concluded with live music and dancing. Two Wellington volunteers, Jen Sherry and Kristina Bostwick, were this year’s co-chairs. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Wellington spiced up the night with a ballroom rumba routine to kick off the dancing.
To learn about how you can support the Casey Cares Foundation, contact Jennifer McCorvey, Casey Cares southern region development director, at jennifer@caseycaresfoundation.org or call (954) 821-0191.
