TOP PHOTO: CASA Board members recognized Anita Norman at Saturday evening’s Bluegrass Breakdown for her many years as an advocate. Norman was honored for her 22 years as a CASA advocate.

Political candidates were good sports about raising funds for CASA with the Dunk tank booths. Pictured is General Sessions Judge Amanda Sammons.

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County’s CASA Bluegrass Breakdown was a huge success, according to organizers. It was the 21st Annual event, with all funds raised going to support CASA of Campbell County and its efforts in supporting children going through the court system. 

CASA Executive Director Jan Jones said the county “turned out in overwhelming support for the children of Campbell County. “

Saturday’s fundraiser was an important one for CASA, which will use the funds to recruit and train volunteers and advocates, according to Jones, who said without the help of individuals, businesses and volunteers CASA would not be able to serve the children of the county. 

CASA’S Bluegrass Breakdown was a huge success! CASA Director Jan Jones, left , is pictured with Saturday’s special guest speaker Tennessee Highway Patrol Captain and Campbell County native Stacey Wood-Heatherly.

“We are extremely grateful and overwhelmed by the support we received for our 21st Annual Bluegrass Breakdown. Funds raised will help us help the abused and neglected children going through the court system,” Jones said.

The evening was filled with music by The Birdsongs, Eddy Sweat and Thundercreek and Caden Poston with Second Chance.

Colleen Birdsong entertaining the crowd during the 21st Annual Bluegrass Breakdown Fundraiser Saturday night at the Ball Event Center.

The special guest speaker for the evening was Tennessee Highway Patrol Captain and Campbell County native Stacey Wood-Heatherly.

During the event, long time CASA Advocate Anita Norman was presented with flowers to honor her many years volunteering. She is retiring after 22 years with CASA as an advocate. She began her journey with CASA because she wanted to help children going through Foster care and court proceedings. 

Miss Tennessee Teen Shakira Goins and Sadie Ward helped out at CASA’S Bluegrass Breakdown fundraiser Saturday evening.

She said looking back on her many years with CASA, there were many children who changed her life. 

The CASA Board of Directors and Executive Director Jan Jones all thanked Norman for her many years as a volunteer.  

Long lines formed for the Dunk the Candidate fundraiser where six local candidates took the plunge over and over to raise money for a great cause of CASA. Candidates participating included Sheriff’s department candidates and General Sessions Judge candidates. Tickets were $5 for three pitches, and all candidates were dunked tons of times.

Sheriff candidate Robbie Goins and General Sessions Judge candidate Kristie Anderson were crowned CASA Royalty for raising the most funds at the dunk tank. 

Jones said she wanted to say thanks to all involved and to everyone who supports CASA. 

CASA Board members presented Anita Norman with flowers at Saturday evening’s Bluegrass Breakdown to recognize her many years as an advocate. Norman is pictured holding flowers.

“Thank you to our sponsors, area individuals and businesses for auction items, volunteers and anyone else than had a small part in making this event a huge success. We hope everyone enjoyed the evening,” Jones said. 

CASA of Campbell County is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2007 for the wellbeing of Campbell County’s children.

To learn more about the CASA program or to become a volunteer advocate visit the website and follow them on Facebook or call the office at 423-562-2700.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/25/2022-6AM)

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