Access to Thrive, a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, joined forces with CASA of Imperial County to ensure foster youth and children across the Valley have the school supplies they need to succeed.
The fundraiser was hosted at The Den in El Centro, an art studio chosen for its welcoming community space and focus on showcasing local creativity. Attendees supported the effort by donating cases of water or school supplies as the cost of entry. Thanks to community generosity and a significant contribution of more than 1,000 notebooks from Coach at the Gran Plaza Outlets, hundreds of children will benefit from the event.
Supplies were distributed directly to foster youth served by CASA, as well as to local schools in Brawley and families who reached out for assistance.
"This was a chance to bring people together, highlight local talent, and give back to children in need," said Ashley Contreras, Executive Director of Access to Thrive. "I've seen firsthand the impact CASA has on children, and that's what inspired me to support their mission."
Chuck Fisher, CASA Board President, added: "As a retired teacher and school administrator, I know what an asset these supplies are. Foster youth often change schools throughout the year, so it's vital to have resources available long after the first day of school."
Sponsors included Wine & Design, Pinshi Metishi, The Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse, Tamm Beasley and Leadership Learners, and the Marianne Valenzuela Fenley - State Farm Insurance Agency in Brawley.
