DeMatha Catholic High School and City of Hyattsville Honored for Contributions to Community

Two notable Hyattsville organizations were recently honored for their contributions to the community- DeMatha Catholic High School and the City of Hyattsville.  Both received awards from Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County for their support of the organization and for providing space and assistance that contributed towards abused and neglected children in foster care being matched with citizen volunteers who work with them to help them find a safe, permanent home.

During an April City Council meeting, the City of Hyattsville was presented with a plaque for their tremendous support throughout the year.   To become a Court Appointed Special Advocate, citizen volunteers must first attend 30 hours of pre-service training and the City of Hyattsville has provided space for the training.  In addition, City staff provided a wealth of information and contacts to Court Appointed Special Advocate staff as they planned their 2nd Annual World of Wheels for CASA, a touch-a-truck and family festival.  “The City of Hyattsville is a valued partner and because of their enthusiasm, support and warm reception when we moved our event to Hyattsville, we hope that the World of Wheels will become a signature Hyattsville event and be held here for years to come” explains Executive Director Ann Marie Binsner.  Several City of Hyattsville Public Works vehicles were on hand during the event for guests, young and old to explore, including a trash truck, backhoe and front loader. 

The event was hosted by DeMatha Catholic High School which received a certificate of appreciation at half-time during a DeMatha basketball game.  DeMatha provided facilities, equipment, volunteers and event support to produce a successful fundraiser and community event.  “This is our biggest fundraiser and also an important opportunity to meet people in the community to share the mission of the organization,” says Program Administrator Penny Gerber.  “Ed King, the Athletic Director, and the staff and student volunteers at DeMatha did everything they could to help make it a seamless event.”  Due to the success of the event and the partnership that Court Appointed Special Advocate and DeMatha were able to establish, the World of Wheels event will be held at DeMatha High again this year. 

The non-profit’s third annual World of Wheels for CASA: A Touch-A-Truck and Family Festival will take place Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at DeMatha Catholic High School (4313 Madison St., Hyattsville, Md. 20781). CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Prince George’s County invites transportation enthusiasts and families alike to join together for an afternoon of fun that will benefit abused and neglected children in foster care.

This community event will feature cars, trucks of all sizes, motorcycles and other unique vehicles.  Adding to the excitement will be food, music and an assortment of activities for “kids of all ages,” including moon bounces, carnival games, craft tables, face painting, and temporary tattoos. Attendees also can learn about volunteer opportunities with CASA to provide a voice to abused and neglected children in Prince George’s County.

All proceeds from the event will directly support CASA/Prince George’s County. General admission is $5/person and a VIP package – which includes a bag with snacks, a drink, freebies from our sponsors and a moon bounce pass – is $10/person. Children age 2 and under can attend for free. Tickets will be sold at the gate on event day.

For more information about the event and and sponsorship opportunities, visit the event web page at http://www.pgcasa.org/events/world_of_wheels_wow-4-casa or the "World of Wheels for CASA Event Page" on Facebook. Or, contact event organizers, Penny Gerber and Kara Bundy, at 301-209-0491 or wow4CASA@gmail.com.

About CASA/Prince George’s County 
Founded in 2001, CASA of Prince George’s County is one of 15 local CASA programs throughout the state, working to ensure every victim of child abuse and neglect the right to grow up in safe and permanent homes. This mission is carried out through the efforts of professionally-trained volunteers, appointed by the court to speak up for the best interests of children who are under the protection of the courts. Currently, CASA programs serve children in 19 of the state’s 24 jurisdictions. 

For more information about CASA of Prince George’s County, call (301) 209-0491 or visit www.pgcasa.org.