More than 1,000 Passengers Raised Money for Abused and Neglected Children of Will County
JOLIET, Ill. – December 16, 2013 – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Will County, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to draw from community resources to provide well-trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system, held its annual Polar Express train ride on Saturday, December 7, 2013, raising more than $30,000 for its program. The event was generously sponsored and supported by BMO Harris Bank, The Home Depot and The Joliet Junior Woman’s Club.
“Once again this event sold out in a matter of days and provided a magical holiday experience for area families,” said CASA of Will County Executive Director Rita Facchina. “We receive most of our funding from events and private donations, so to see such strong community support is truly gratifying and allows us to directly help even more children within Will County.”
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The day began with families being greeted by “Santa’s Elves” while the BMO Harris mascot, “Hubert the Lion,” cavorted with children and guests. Visitors enjoyed games provided by the Joliet Junior Woman’s Club while excitedly awaiting their departure to the “North Pole.” Guests also enjoyed a train display (courtesy of the Will County Model Railroad Association) and hot cocoa, all at Joliet Union Station. Full of holiday cheer, families boarded their Metra train en route to see Santa. Each train car was escorted by a group of volunteers who, dressed as festive elves, sang and acted out the story of the Polar Express. Volunteers from Joliet Township High School, St. Jude’s Youth Group, Joliet West Key Club, and the University of St. Francis Softball Team all dedicated their time to entertain the families.
As each of the four trains arrived in Tinley Park, elves marched passengers down Oak Park Avenue to Durbin’s Restaurant to see Santa. CASA thanks the owners of Durbin’s and its staff for not only its hospitality, but for donating Breakfast with Santa for the first train and hot cocoa throughout the day. Once again, the event included a “Santa’s Workshop” at the Tinley Park Fire Station, where guests toured the emergency vehicles, received temporary tattoos from holiday elves, colored and completed fire safety activity pages and built holiday-themed crafts, courtesy of The Home Depot stores of Homer Glen and Orland Park.
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CASA of Will County, a United Way agency whose offices are located at the River Valley Justice Center in Joliet, has been serving abused and neglected children since 1994. In 2012, the organization served 291 children, representing 50 percent of Will County children in need. Its goal is to reach 100 percent of the children through increased funding and volunteer recruitment. CASA of Will County is a member of the National CASA Association.
The Polar Express is one several key fundraisers to underwrite CASA of Will County programs and services. The next one is its “Have a Heart for the Child” Benefit Auction Gala to be held Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Patrick C. Haley Mansion in Joliet. The elegant event will feature guest speaker Tom Thayer and a special appearance by Jarrett Payton, son of Bears legend (and Thayer teammate for the 1985 Super Bowl) Walter Payton. The event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of CASA of Will County. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For details and a sponsorship packet please email CASA Executive Director Rita Facchina at rfacchina@casaofwillcounty.org.
