CASA Hosts Spring Garden Gala, Honors Tony Shay

Photo, above: Back row, left to right: Joe Sparaccio, Thomas Vates, Brian torpey, Tom Sannelli, Randall Paulikens, Tony Shay, John Frattellone, Steven Seneca, Leo Reich, Mitch Abrams. Front row, left to right: Jennivere Kenlon, Alana Barofsky, Murielle Steven-Walsh, Joan Osborne, Cindi Van Brunt, Jessica Mazur

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Monmouth County honored Tony Shay with CASA’s prestigious President’s Award on April 6 at the organization’s Spring Garden Gala at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal.

Jill Clancy, Caitlin Rinaldi, Carol Stillwell, Lynn Goelz, Jessica Rinaldi

“We were thrilled to be able to recognize Tony’s long-time accomplishments as a true champion for children,” said Cynthia Van Brunt, executive director for CASA for Children of Monmouth County. “We greatly admire his many years of service on the Child Placement Review Board and his ten instrumental years as CASA board president. Tony’s dedication to the needs of underserved children is both humbling and inspiring.” CASA also honored Monmouth County resident Alana Barofsky with CASA’s Collegiate Award for Humanitarianism. “Alana epitomizes the can-do spirit of volunteerism, and we’re delighted to recognize her selfless efforts in giving back to the community,” said Van Brunt. CASA’s Spring Garden Gala featured live and silent auctions, cocktails and appetizers, dinner and dessert stations and entertainment.

Chris Katz, Dana DeMonaco, Cindi Van Brunt

CASA for Children of Monmouth County is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers to “Speak Up for a Child” removed from home due to abuse and/or neglect. The Colts Neck-based organization’s 100 advocates served 205 children this past year. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home.