Michigan CASA Board Secretary running 100 miles this weekend in support of Michigan's abused and neglected foster care children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 10, 2024
Media Contact: Andrea Walker-Leidy
248-606-5288
andrea@walkerpublicity.com

Amy D’Aprile, Michigan CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children) board secretary and CASA advocate, is running 100 miles across the state this weekend to help raise money for the nonprofit organization committed to advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children in Michigan’s foster care system. 

This is Amy’s third year running for a cause to support Michigan CASA organizations across the state. 

“This organization has touched my heart and demonstrates how volunteers can change the lives of abused and neglected children by giving them a voice in a very difficult situation,” said D’Aprile. “Regardless of how physically and mentally challenging this event will be for me, it doesn’t compare to the heartache, disappointment, and challenges these abused and neglected children endure due to no fault of their own.”

Her 100-mile run will take 3-4 days beginning Friday Oct. 11, in South Haven and will include the communities of Kalamazoo, Jackson, Galesburg, Concord, South Lyon, Lyon Township, Milford, Wixom, Walled Lake, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester and Rochester Hills. 

Below is her route for the 4-day “Running for CASA” fundraiser: 

Day 1: Kal-Haven Trail and Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
Day 2: Falling Waters Trailhead and Falling Waters Trailhead
Day 3: Mike Levine Lakelands Trail, Huron Valley Trail, Michigan Airline Trail, West Bloomfield TrailDay
4: Clinton-River Trail

Michigan CASA currently has 30 affiliate programs that operate independently to recruit, screen, train, and supervise CASA volunteers, which are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of foster care children. Their role is to bring urgency to the child’s needs, both in and outside of the courtroom, ensuring that each child’s safety, well-being, and permanent placement are prioritized. 

“I have seen first-hand the impact a CASA volunteer can have on these children,” said D’Aprile. “Every child I have served and am serving has irrevocably changed my life for the better. I learn from them every day. Their smiles, hugs, and achievements confirm I am living out my passion.”

For more information on how you can support Michigan CASA and donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/3rd-annual-running-for-casa.