Donor Profile Archives - CASA of New Hampshire

A Bike Ride Across the Country to Benefit CASA of New Hampshire

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire board member Kathleen Thomas will bicycle across the country in support of CASA of NH. After dipping her bike wheel in the Pacific, Thomas will depart from Astoria, Oregon, on June 10 and plans to end by dipping her wheel in the Atlantic in Portsmouth, NH, on approximately July 22. As she rides from coast to coast, she will document her progress at www.ktacrossamerica.com.

Thomas is taking the “Portland-to-Portland route, slightly modified,” she says, which means she’ll bike a total of 3,800 miles averaging about 100 miles per day, with just four days of planned rest. Well, three days of rest, anyway – she “absolutely intends” to hike in Montana on her first day off from biking. Although considering her other hobbies include long-distance triathlons, hiking may well her version of R&R.

Thomas will climb mountains, ride through flatlands, and endure the many challenges, big and small, that come with such a long two-wheeled adventure – bad weather, flat tires, hunger, tiredness and long stretches of time alone with her thoughts (she’s riding solo with van support). Helping her with the mental aspects of the trip is her commitment to CASA of NH.

“CASA’s mission resonates with me on every level,” says Thomas. “Children in unstable homes, those who suffer abuse and neglect, need a voice – they are so isolated. I believe in CASA and the amazing volunteer advocates who represent these children – their work is critical.” Raising money for CASA along her difficult journey will also be an important motivator, she adds. “I wanted something to keep my head focused while I’m riding across the country – for when I’m tired and questioning what I’m doing. It’s important for me to realize that I may be suffering today on the bike, but that’s nothing like what these kids suffer. I have a choice, but they don’t get a choice, and I’ll take their inspiration with me.”

A celebration to welcome Thomas as she rides into Portsmouth is planned for July 22, although the date may change depending on her progress. Updates can be found at www.ktacrossamerica.com, and via CASA of NH on Facebook and Instagram.

About CASA of New Hampshire

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire provides trauma-informed, best-interests advocacy for New Hampshire children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteer advocates to speak on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. Since its founding in 1989, CASA of NH has advocated for nearly 12,000 children in court, giving them a chance at a better future.

In fiscal year 2023, CASA of NH guardians ad litem served 1,549 children throughout the state, collectively donating 87,585 hours and making more than 13,000 visits to children. Appointed by the court, these volunteers are everyday people who come from all backgrounds – experience in law or social work is not required. If you have the heart to help, we can teach you the rest. For anyone interested in learning more about volunteering, CASA of NH offers virtual information sessions twice a month. These are a wonderful opportunity to listen to or talk with both staff and current volunteers. Visit www.casanh.org to register for an information session or to learn more about CASA of NH.

Creative Fundraising: Christmas Décor of Southern NH

To kick off this year’s annual year-end campaign, Christmas Décor of Southern NH owner Dan Bernard proposed a unique incentive to donate: Everyone who contributed at least $100 before November 30 was eligible to enter a drawing to have his company design and install holiday lighting and decorations at their home. Additionally, they also generously matched every donation of $100 to CASA with a $10 donation, with a maximum match of $2,500.

Donor Doreen Boissonneault, who has supported CASA of NH since 2011, was the lucky winner! Doreen told us that while she’s not in a place to be an advocate, she’s glad to help by donating every year.

Christmas Décor of Southern NH owners Dan and Kristine Bernard are longtime supporters of CASA of NH. Dan, a former CASA of NH board chairman, says, “After serving on the Board of CASA for nine years, I’ve seen firsthand the difference the organization makes in the lives of New Hampshire’s children. Given their importance in deriving positive outcomes for our most ‘at-risk’ population, I can’t think of a worthier cause to support than CASA.” Dan and Kris are also owners of Mosquito Joe, providing mosquito control to the southern New Hampshire area.

We’re thrilled to report this year’s campaign was incredibly successful, thanks to dedicated supporters as well as 65 new donors, an increase of 38 new donors over last year.

Thanks to their generous support, this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign was the biggest ever for CASA. Over $16,000 was raised in 24 hours from 74 donors, including 11 new donors and 14 advocates.

Donor Spotlight: Day’s Jewlers

Day’s Jewelers has been a significant supporter of CASA of New Hampshire since our partnership began in 2020. During our virtual CASA Cares that year, they joined as a Guardian sponsor, donating a pair of diamond earrings for the auction.

Day’s has continued to demonstrate their generosity by providing a beautiful piece of jewelry to raffle at each CASA Cares since. One hundred jewelry boxes are available for purchase at the event, one of which contains a stunning piece of jewelry. At last year’s Cares, the remaining boxes contained varying matching donations from Day’s, totaling $3,600!

Apart from sponsoring CASA Cares, Day’s is committed to promoting our organization and mission year-round. They have shared information about CASA on their social mediachannels, and recently began displaying flyers for CASA in their stores.

“We’re proud to partner with CASA of New Hampshire, supporting their vital work inadvocating for children in need,” says Joe Corey, president of Day’s Jewelers. “At Day’s Jewelers, we believe in the power of community and are committed to making a positive impact. We’re immensely proud to play a small part of the incredible work CASA is doing forthe children in the state of New Hampshire, and we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to be contribute to their remarkable efforts.”

We are immensely grateful for Day’s Jewelers continued support and their dedication to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children throughout the state.

Donor Spotlight: The Brophy Family

Steve Brophy and his wife, Janeece, are longtime supporters of CASA of New Hampshire. Steve and Janeece first learned about CASA when a neighbor introduced them to Marty Sink, CASA’s president and CEO. After attending an event and hearing from two judges who spoke highly of CASA advocates and the reports they prepare for the courts, Steve and Janeece decided to become donors. Having children themselves, they felt compelled to help CASA grow.

As the Senior Wealth Manager at Brophy Wealth Management, LLC, Steve discovered that one of his clients was also a CASA volunteer, which soon led to the company supporting CASA on a corporate level. As a company that values giving back to the community, they have been a proud sponsor of CASA Cares for several years, and feature CASA of New Hampshire as a charity of choice on their website. They also generously support other causes that focus on children and families, such as Friends of Aine, Families in Transition, and Toys for Tots.

Steve is passionate about CASA’s mission and praises the character of those involved in the organization. He has seen firsthand the commitment and care demonstrated by both staff and volunteers. “When you get close to the organization, you can see that these things shine,” he says.

CASA of New Hampshire is incredibly grateful for the Brophy family’s unwavering dedication to raising awareness about our cause, and for their generous donations that support our advocates and their vital work.

Donor Spotlight: Larry and Hilary Meyers

Larry and Hilary Meyers, along with their amazing family, have been supporters and friends of CASA for many years. Their son Seth (who you may have heard of) has donated two tickets to his show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and a virtual “Happy Half Hour with Seth” to the CASA Cares live auction, helping the organization to raise thousands of dollars for our advocacy work on behalf of children experiencing abuse and neglect. We are thrilled that Seth will be donating a virtual happy hour again this year at CASA Cares on May 6^th, in addition to donating personalized signed copies of his newly released children’s book, I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared.

In a recent interview with CASA staff, Larry shared more about his and Hilary’s dedication to CASA’s mission.

How did you and Hilary first hear about CASA?

I am not sure exactly when I first heard about CASA. It could have been at the CASA golf event, but my wife Hilary was certainly well aware of CASA from her years as a teacher in the Bedford school system.

Why is CASA important to you?

There are many worthy causes, but even though our sons are grown and have long been out of the house, I don’t think as a parent one ever forgets what it was like to have children at home. For Hilary and I, as well as our sons Seth and Josh, the years when the boys were at home were joyful times. Knowing that every child does not have that same experience is heartbreaking. The CASA volunteers are a truly valuable part of the support system for children under court supervision. A CASA volunteer, not part of the court system or state’s child welfare apparatus, can take time to get to know “their child” on a one-on-one basis, in some cases over many months or years, and they can offer the court an invaluable perspective to assist in crafting an outcome that is the in the best interest of the given child.

I have met several CASA volunteers, many of whom I knew socially, and to a person they relate how fulfilling the experience as a volunteer has been. Many have worked with more than one child. I am not a CASA volunteer. While I have the empathy, I am also impatient by nature. I would just want to “fix” the situation, and the situations of the CASA kids are not simple or easily fixed. So instead, I try to support CASA financially or any other way that I can.

You are so involved in the community/other organizations. Can you share some of your wonderful partnerships?

While CASA deals with abused and neglected children under supervision of the civil courts, the Child Advocacy Centers of New Hampshire deal with victims of child abuse in New Hampshire through centers that bring together law enforcement, counseling and other professional services under a single roof to compassionately help heal and sustain the victims of abuse while interfacing with law enforcement to punish the abusers. CAC and CASA deal with many of the same issues and occasionally the same kids.

What is something that you did not know about CASA until you became more involved?

The huge number of abused and neglected kids in a state the size of New Hampshire was shocking. In 2021, CASA served 1412 children. If you think child abuse and neglect is a problem that can’t happen here….well it does happen here, and New Hampshire is fortunate that CASA exists to deal with the result.

What would you like people to know about our mission/programs/impact?

CASA wants to provide advocacy services for 100% of New Hampshire’s abused and neglected children. They are the vehicle that insures that the child’s voice is heard as the kids navigate what must be an overwhelming and confusing engagement with the court system. CASA works to coordinate with all of the public and private child welfare agencies in the state to deliver the best outcomes for the kids they serve.

We would like to thank Larry, Hilary, Seth and Josh for their unwavering commitment to New Hampshire’s children.

Donor Spotlight: Tom Buchanan

Ten years ago, Tom Buchanan was introduced to CASA through a board member from the organization. The rest, as they say, is history. Tom recently retired as a long-standing member of the board himself, and during his tenure, he was successful in recruiting several new advocates and cultivating donors far and wide.

His first meeting with Marty Sink, CASA’s President and CEO, and the board member, helped him to better understand the mission, including the impact that advocates can have on a child’s life. “I was blown away by the mission,” says Tom. He came to understand that advocates work solely on behalf of the child, adding “they rescue these kids from hard situations; they turn around a child for a lifetime.”

Prior to his introduction to CASA, Tom had not been aware that CASA is the only organization in the state that does this kind of advocacy work on behalf of children in the court system. “I didn’t understand that if CASA didn’t do this, who would do it?”

Tom was hooked after his first meeting, and stayed on the CASA board for a full three terms. As a new board member, Tom was asked to attend a court hearing, so he spent an afternoon at the Derry Court observing a case. He noted that the judge complimented the CASA advocate for their dedication to the case, and that the parent’s case worker was also very respectful of the advocate. As Tom says, “volunteers do the hard work. They are the ones who truly get involved in the child’s case.”

Throughout his years on the board, and as a donor with his wife, Joan, Tom never questioned the workings of the organization. As he says, “there is no mission creep. I greatly respect that over 80% of their income is earmarked for direct services. CASA stays in its lane and is consistent in all their endeavors.”

As CEO of Derry Medical Center, Tom has secured an ongoing business sponsorship of CASA’s largest fundraising event, CASA Cares. Derry Medical Center is a supporter of other organizations as well, and since 2006, has donated $136,000 in medical scholarships to deserving local students.

Tom has been, and continues to be, a wonderful gift to CASA. In his own words, “if you can turn around the life of a child, you have created a lifetime benefit.”

Amy Welch: Longtime, Dedicated CASA Supporter

Dedicated, caring, committed and always willing to lend a hand. These are the excellent descriptors of Snowfest committee member Amy Welch. Another? Lots of fun

CASA just held its 21^st annual Snowfest at Loon Mountain and despite the wild weather, the event was a huge success due in large part to Amy’s efforts.

Amy first came to volunteer with CASA in 2013 because she was ready to get involved in her community. She learned of CASA during a presentation at work and after speaking with friends and coming to understand its mission, she first volunteered on the marketing and communications committee before shifting to events, specifically Snowfest.

“It’s so funny that Snowfest is the event I chose because I hate the cold!” Amy says.

Though she doesn’t ski, Amy spends the day at Snowfest helping with registration, raffle sales and pitching in wherever she can in the Governor’s Pavilion. Being there is fun because she loves being part of the excitement of the day and being able to celebrate our advocates for all they do.

Her participation in Snowfest goes beyond day-of duties. For the last couple years Amy has driven the event’s incredible raffle, and she has used her marketing skills to assist with developing new materials to help spread the word about Snowfest, among numerous other roles she has taken on to help make the event a success.

She landed as a Snowfest committee volunteer because she says one naturally gravitates to what they’re comfortable with and good at. As a senior manager at wedü, a digital marketing agency in Manchester, Amy wanted to use her skills to help build an event that shows our advocates that not only CASA supports them and the important work they’re doing, but so does the community around them. Event planning and organizing was the perfect fit.

“These kids are so fortunate to have a CASA as part of their lives. We do what we can to support and celebrate (CASA volunteer advocates) at Snowfest, but they deserve so much more!”

What Amy says she loves most about volunteering with CASA is how deeply committed everyone associated with the organization is, whether a CASA volunteer advocate, a committee volunteer, board member or employee.

When she was doing her research, Amy was particularly impressed with CASA’s low administrative overhead and how people spoke about CASA with such pride.

“Even with just people I meet around town, everyone who knows CASA is so enthusiastically supportive and proud of the organization,” Amy says. “How can you not want to be a part of that positive energy?”

Donor Spotlight: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Every day, CASA’s volunteer advocates are deeply committed to ensuring that victimized children are receiving the emotional and physical resources they need to thrive. We are grateful that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield recognizes CASA’s critical role in the health and wellbeing of children and has been a partner in this mission for nearly 20 years.

Through Anthem’s long history of supporting CASA, they have provided significant financial and volunteer backing. They have generously donated nearly $75,000 in sponsorship funding, subsequently impacting the lives of hundreds of children. Anthem associates have also served and continue to serve as CASA volunteer advocates and members of CASA’s board of directors, dedicating their time, talent and treasure as leaders of the organization.

Lisa Guertin, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire, notes that Anthem has been a strong proponent of CASA’s vision for nearly 20 years because of CASA’s critical need in the community.

“The state’s opioid crisis is having a deep impact on the next generation, and we need to ensure New Hampshire kids have a fighting chance for a stable, loving home life so they can grow up to be healthy, happy adults. This is what it’s all about for us at Anthem: making a difference in the lives of the people in the communities we serve. And CASA’s work is doing just that.”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is profoundly dedicated to giving back to the community.

“We believe that giving back is not only a privilege, it’s a responsibility,” says Stephanie DuBois, Director of Public Relations. “We take pride in giving back to our communities and make it a cornerstone of our business practices.”

CASA’s board of directors has welcomed several Anthem representatives in recent years, including Maria Proulx (Regional Vice President of Sales), Denise McDonough (now President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine), and currently Michael Burns, New Hampshire sales account executive, who is tremendously dedicated to the organization’s mission.

“As the father of six children and a recent foster parent, serving on CASA’s Board of Directors affords me the opportunity to stand up for a child who has no voice, who did not ask to be abused and who deserves the right to be loved and protected,” Michael says. “I’m proud to support CASA’s mission and give back to my community.”

And it’s not just CASA. In 2019 alone, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire and its philanthropic arm, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, invested more than $1.4 million in New Hampshire in efforts to improve overall health by addressing critical issues facing Granite Staters, such as food insecurity and the impacts of the opioid abuse crisis.

Anthem’s collaborations with local nonprofits also support other health initiatives such as cancer prevention, prenatal care, heart health, physical activity, and addressing social determinants of health. Anthem associates donate hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars in personal contributions every year to directly assist nonprofits in strengthening the New Hampshire communities where they live and work. Their volunteer and charitable giving programs have included Anthem associates packing 500 bags of nonperishable foods to support Blessings in a Backpack’s mission to provide weekend food for elementary school children, sponsoring The Farnum Center/EasterSeals NH’s “Sprit of Hope” event to raise awareness about substance misuse disorders, and supporting the Manchester Police Athletic League’s Footrace for the Fallen 5K as the presenting sponsor.

Additionally, Anthem’s “Dollars for Doers” program provides employees with financial rewards they can direct to eligible nonprofit organizations in exchange for their volunteer hours. In 2019, Stephanie says, Anthem associates in New Hampshire donated more than 1,300 hours of their time at a value of nearly $34,000. In another initiative, “Dollars for Dollars,” Anthem matches contributions to a number of health-related nonprofits, dollar for dollar, up to an annual maximum match of $5,000. According to Stephanie, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire consistently ranks highest among all Anthem affiliates in the percentage of associates (30 percent) who donate to local charities.

Thank you to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for your visionary support of New Hampshire’s children!

Donor Spotlight: Meet Tammy O’Neil

Tammy O’Neil is a passionate advocate for CASA’s mission as a volunteer advocate and, along with her husband Mike, has been a generous supporter and friend.

Tammy is fairly new to CASA, having completed training in spring of 2018. She heard about CASA through an attorney friend working with guardians ad litem, and discovered that even a lay person could volunteer as a GAL through volunteering with the CASA program. After working in the medical field for 20 years, she moved to the Seacoast and was later married. She eventually cut back to part time and continues to consult for her husbands company. Although the career change was interesting, she realized she accomplished some key initiatives as a consultant, and she “desperately needed something to feed her soul again.”

“I missed being involved in the bigger picture and making a positive difference in another human being’s life,” Tammy says. Through CASA, she found she could make a significant impact in a child’s life, without having to make a big time commitment.”

During her training, Tammy was introduced to the scope of the substance misuse crisis, not realizing, she admits, “the magnitude of the drug epidemic.” After training, Tammy took on a case in the fall of 2018.

“Children in particular are in greatest need of advocates when their parents are unable to see the trees through the forest – when they are struggling with their own difficult time,” Tammy says.

In her current case, she knows it is not due to a lack of love that there is a CASA involved, but that life can get out of control for good people, and life’s circumstances can become a tremendous burden.

“With the right support and resources, these circumstances can change,” Tammy says. “People can get wrapped up in their problems and they forget to look at real life issues. I am not judgmental, and I can say objectively that good people can and do make mistakes.”

Tammy understands first-hand how one person can make a tremendous impact in someone’s life, and has continued to pay it forward beginning with her career in healthcare many years ago.

“It was when I had my daughter and was feeling completely helpless on bedrest for four months that I realized the impact one kind person could have on my day — my life.”

In addition to her volunteer advocacy for children, she and Mike have been ardent financial supporters of CASA, attending CASA Cares for several years and participating in both the live auction and appeal. Tammy also served on the CASA Cares committee, lending her advice to auction efforts. Tammy knows how important it is for children to have a voice.

“I believe that society, particularly those with the ability to articulate and with the fortitude to advocate for the rights of those at a disadvantage, are obligated to do so,” Tammy says. Not everyone has grown up with the same opportunities available to them and we all have intrinsic differences and capacities to handle strife. I know that even the best people sometimes make poor decisions regarding their children. For some people, just getting out of their own way to help themselves is next to impossible.”

Meet Doreen Manetta: CASA Cares Chairperson & Volunteer Extraordinaire

Doreen Manetta has been a long-standing volunteer, donor and friend to CASA. As the Regional Manager/SVP of Enterprise Bank, Doreen balances a busy professional career with volunteer positions at CASA and a number of other nonprofit organizations. She currently serves as the chairperson of CASA Cares, CASA’s largest annual fundraising event, which last year raised more than $300,000. Along with an active committee of 10 members, Doreen is in throes of planning the upcoming CASA Cares gala on May 3, which will celebrate CASA’s 30 years of transformative advocacy work.

Doreen attended her first CASA event nearly 10 years ago when CASA’ s major fundraiser had been a luncheon fashion show before becoming CASA Cares in 2016. At that time, Doreen had moved to Manchester from Nashua for her career, and subsequently became actively involved in several nonprofits, including CASA of NH. She has been a tireless committee volunteer since then, assisting in all areas of event planning including securing sponsorship support and providing a number of introductions to new funders and businesses. Thanks in large part to Doreen’s efforts and her passion for CASA, CASA Cares has continued to grow every year in attendance and proceeds.

Doreen is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She provides her time and talent to several boards, including the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Adult Learning Center and the YMCA of Greater Nashua, and feels an intrinsic responsibility to lend her support to various causes and encourages others to do so as well.

“There are so many organizations that need help,” Doreen says. “Everyone needs to pick one organization — it only takes a few hours of time to make a lasting impact on an organization.”

Doreen choose to help CASA of NH because she believes strongly in its mission. It wasn’t until she began volunteering that she really came to understand the scope of CASA’s ability to change lives.

“It is important for us to advocate for children that don’t have a voice and to ensure the safety of future generations of children,” Doreen says.

She credits Enterprise Bank, and its community-focused mission, with being a large supporter of her non-profit work, noting, “It is part of their core value to invest in the community. Everyone at the bank is encouraged to engage in volunteer work — from the tellers to the managers.”

For example, Enterprise organizes nonprofit collaborative seminars, women’s networking events, and extensive charity drives and walks. Its “Belle of the Ball” initiative organizes cleaning and distribution of gently worn prom dresses to more than 800 girls, and its annual scarf drive provides donated handmade or purchased scarves to United Way shelters. The bank has also sponsored numerous events, including CASA Cares.

Doreen recognizes that not everyone has the time to serve as a volunteer advocate or on a committee, but she says that is OK.

“It is important for people to know that even if they can make a small donation, it could go a long way, especially with the opioid crisis,” Doreen says. “We could help so many more kids. We think nothing of buying a cup of coffee. If we gave that up for a week and donated to a nonprofit, it could make a big difference.”