(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the March 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
For more than 30 years, CASA of Cameron and Willacy Counties (CASA) has been a lifeline for children and families navigating the complexities of the foster care system. As a nonprofit organization, CASA provides trained volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in court, to ensure their needs are met and their voices heard. This year, CASA is inviting the community to take part in its annual Royal Ball fundraiser on March 30, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Harlingen Convention Center.
As CASA prepares for its highly anticipated Royal Ball fundraiser, the organization’s Communications Director, Lacey Ambriz, shares insights into the event’s impact and the mission behind it.
Ambriz, who began as a CASA volunteer before joining the staff five years ago, has witnessed firsthand how events like the Royal Ball bring joy to children while also fueling CASA’s vital advocacy work. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re impacting lives during such critical moments,” she says. This enchanting event not only creates magical memories but also helps ensure that children in the foster care system have the support they need to thrive.
The inspiration for the Royal Ball came from CASA’s Executive Director, Dora Martinez, who saw a similar event hosted by another CASA program in Texas. She loved the idea and brought it to the board and fundraising committee, leading to the launch of CASA’s own princess-themed event. The first iteration, called the Fairy Dust Princess Ball, debuted in August 2019 and was met with overwhelming community support. Though the event had to be paused due to COVID-19, it returned in 2023 under the more inclusive title of the Royal Ball, ensuring that children of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and interests could enjoy the experience.
CASA aims to provide the children they serve with an afternoon of fun and normalcy. This year, young attendees can look forward to a variety of exciting activities, including a makeup station, a tea party, Royal Knight activities, and a treasure hunt. New additions include a “design your own crown” station, castle-building activities, a 360 Photo Booth, and a popcorn station. Local businesses that sponsor the event will also have the chance to set up other interactive tables to engage with attendees in fun, creative ways.
Fundraisers like the Royal Ball are vital to CASA’s success, helping to fill in funding gaps that grants may not cover. In addition to direct donations and sponsorships, community members can support CASA by volunteering, displaying CASA banners at their businesses, or distributing pamphlets to spread awareness of the organization’s mission.
For those interested in attending the Royal Ball, tickets are priced at $20 each. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and individuals can also donate to sponsor a child’s ticket. Tickets can be purchased through CASA’s website, via Cash App, or in person at their office in Brownsville.
At the heart of the Royal Ball is a simple but powerful goal: to create a magical and memorable afternoon for children while fostering community connections and raising awareness for CASA’s vital work. By attending, sponsoring, or simply spreading the word, community members can help CASA to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of children in foster care.
For more information, visit CASA of Cameron and Willacy Counties’ website, social media, or contact their office directly. Join CASA in making a difference—one magical moment at a time.
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