CASA's annual fall fundraiser for child victims next week

North Idaho CASA will host its annual fall fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Hagadone Event Center.

"UnCorked" has evolved from a casual, silent auction happy hour into a big-ticket dinner with a live auction showdown.

CASA trains advocates for over 350 child abuse and neglect victims throughout the First Judicial District. Advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child's best interest in court, and help find them a safe home with a forever family.

Keynote Speaker Marie Widmyer will talk about why she is passionate about helping foster youth.

"Having lived a life in and out of 20 foster homes throughout my childhood and eventually aging out of the system, I understood the countless challenges these kids face," she said. "Growing up, I didn't have anyone to look up to that grew up in foster care and made it out to live a good, fulfilling life."

She said her dream in creating the movement #iamafosterwin is so those who have gone through the foster care system can give hope and encouragement to today's foster care youth.

"It shows foster youth that they should never give up on their dreams," she said. "We don't have to let our past negative circumstances predict our future success."

Tickets for Uncorked are on sale at www.NorthIdahoCASA.org. The event includes a silent auction, raffles and a live auction.