Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Gin, jazz, money and murder… the perfect murder mystery. Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA of Autauga and Chilton Counties will be hosting a Gatsby Murder Mystery Fundraiser August 20th at 6 p.m. at Sunset Ridge Barn Weddings and Events.
CASA is a non-profit organization that is in many counties in 49 states. CASA is strictly volunteer base, however these volunteers are trained in helping children going through difficult, and often traumatic, court proceedings.
“Our job is to gather information about the cases where we’re assigned, and the judge assigns us to cases involving child abuse and neglect. Volunteers visit that child at least once a month, and they work with the parents too. They interview teachers, counselors, doctors if they’re involved. They talk to anybody that is involved or that touches that child’s life and helps to bridge the gap,” Executive Director of CASA of Autauga and Chilton Counties, Pam Tindal said.
Tindal went on to explain that the volunteers are usually one of the only constant faces that child will see through the process. Volunteers are there to put the best interest of the child forward, and to provide the judge with additional and reputable reports in order to make the decisions going forward for that child.
The proceeds from the event will go towards the CASA of Autauga and Chilton Counties, as the non-profit group receives over 40% of their funding through fundraisers and donations.
Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased by registering online at, https://betterunite.com/casaofautaugachilton-gatsbymysterydinnertheater or by phone at 334 610 5962.
“We chose the Gatsby dinner because there’s nothing else like that in our area. There are several great organizations who put on gala dinners. We thought we would do something different and make it an entertainment dinner, as well as an opportunity for people to donate through sponsorships or through individual donations,” Tindal said.
A cash bar will be available for purchase, and everyone is encouraged to dress in traditional 1920’s themed attire.
The dinner will have 20 characters, Tindal confirmed. The “crime” will take place in front of spectators, where every table will have an opportunity to interview and interact with cast members. The goal is to have your table solve the mystery.
There’s also opportunity for a draw down cash prize of $500, Tindal confirmed.
Tickets are $50, and opportunities to sponsor range from as low as $250 to the highest level as a presenting sponsor at $3,000, with varying perks between sponsorships.
