The Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) held a yearly running event the theme of the run was superheroes. According to the Kern website, CASA is a “local non-profit which speaks up for children in Kern County who have been abused and neglected and are currently navigating the foster care system.”

A CASA volunteer, according to the Kern CASA website, is a “sworn officer of the court whose job is to provide the juvenile court judge or referee with an independent assessment of the circumstances of the child.”

The volunteer must meet the various requirements like pass a fingerprint and background check, and attend 52 hours of training, and maintain weekly contact with the child. The volunteer must also attend the court hearing, “protect and ensure each child’s right to a safe, permanent home.”

The CASA run was sponsored by the community, local businesses, and donations. The event helps advocate for children and give a child a voice. People could sign up for the 2k, 5k, and 10k where they could walk or run and they could participate in teams, families, or as an individual. Others who wanted to give back to the program volunteered their time during the event, become “Crusader” for the event they “fundraised by asking for donations” to support the local non-profit organization.

During the event, there were various vendors, a DJ, and a costume contest. There was a raffle for prizes at the end of the event for anyone that collected all the stamps from various vendors at the event.  Participants received a “Superheroes Medal” for their hard work and the proceeds received during the event goes to Kern County foster children, training, and to help supervise volunteers. The program is a great help for children who need an advocate and someone to help them build a better future for themselves.