SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2026 — FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD!

There’s no place like CASA! Join us as we journey down the Yellow Brick Road for an enchanting evening filled with courage, heart, hope, and a little Oz-inspired magic—all in support of children in our community.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to LOVEvents Banquet Hall, 1803 Broadway St., Anderson, IN 46012, at 5:45 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Along the way, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, mingle with fellow Champions for Children, and discover treasures worthy of the Emerald City in our silent auction before gathering for dinner and a celebration of the remarkable people who make a difference in the lives of children.

During the evening, we’ll honor our CASA Volunteer of the Year and recognize the recipients of the Judge Brinkman Child Advocate Award.

And of course, no trip to Oz would be complete without a little imagination. Costumes are encouraged, and we’ll be awarding prizes in our costume contest for some of the evening’s most creative looks.

Whether you have the courage of the Lion, the heart of the Tin Man, the wisdom of the Scarecrow, or simply believe there’s no place like home, we hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable journey.

Because every child deserves someone beside them as they follow the road from scared to safe.

WHY JOIN US?

Madison County ranks among Indiana’s highest --in our state's top 5 counties!--for substantiated child abuse and neglect cases. Our mission is crucial to meeting the advocacy needs of over 1,200 children in our local court system each year. Your support at this event gives us the means to recruit and train our team of advocates who diligently seek the best interests --and best future outcome--for these children. Your participation in this event means more than just a ticket or event contribution -- it is a way to ensure these children get back their voice in the courtroom and receive the secure, loving placement they need to thrive.

With your help, vulnerable children can go from feeling scared to feeling safe as they navigate our complex local court system with their supportive CASA (court appointed special advocate).

JUDGE BRINKMAN CHILD ADVOCATE AWARD WINNERS

Dr. Laura Stull

Dr. Laura Stull serves as Professor of Psychology, Department Chair, and Co-Director of the Honors Program at Anderson University, where she is dedicated to strengthening youth, families, and communities. For more than a decade, she has partnered with Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative programs to deliver Parenting the Teen Brain, helping parents, guardians, and caregivers better understand adolescent development and build healthier relationships with young people.

Noon Exchange Club of Anderson

The Anderson Noon Exchange Club is dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families throughout Madison County. Through their commitment to child abuse prevention, the Club has raised more than $10,000 for East Central Indiana CASA. Their generosity helps ensure vulnerable children receive the advocacy, safety, and support they deserve.

CASA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Michael Juenemann

Michael’s life story is one of perseverance, transforming each challenge he encounters into a steppingstone toward growth. This resilience is at the heart of his advocacy work. He understands that many of the barriers he has faced are not so different from those the children he serves are working to overcome. With determination and compassion, Michael climbs these proverbial walls, leads the way, and uses both mental and physical strength to accelerate each child’s path to permanency. His commitment to serving others extends well beyond his CASA role. When he isn’t earning gold medals in the CASA Olympics, Michael is cherishing time with his wife, daughters, and four grandchildren. He also gives back through his work at a local food pantry, a tradition of service.

WAYS TO SHOW SUPPORT

Become a sponsor – and come to celebrate with us! See our sponsorship level options below and at the Participate button above, where you can select your corresponding sponsorship and ticket package.
Contribute an auction item donation to help us raise funds. Contact us directly about your item(s) so we can coordinate.
Grab your ticket and be our guest. You can purchase individual tickets (or a whole table of 8!) at the Participate button above. Each ticket costs $60 and kicks back roughly $25 to ECI CASA directly as a contribution. The rest helps us cover all the delicious food, entertainment, and other event costs. We appreciate your support!
Make a gift to support our CASA team at the Participate button above, where you can select "I'd just like to donate" to find the "other" option to create a custom contribution. We truly appreciate your support!

Questions? Please reach out to Kayla Eddy-Phifer, Director of Development, at kayla.eddyphifer@madisoncounty.in.gov

Champions for Children: From Scared to Safe Event 2026

Follow the Yellow Brick Road To CASA's gala event on October 28, 2026