Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lexington has received horse halters from: American Pharaoh, California Chrome, Nyquist and the first halter of the first foal of American Pharaoh. The collection includes three Kentucky Derby winners, the halter from California Chrome is the last halter worn by the recently retired champion and a one of a kind halter from the first foal of American Pharaoh. CASA will auction each of the horse halters through their annual fundraising event Bourbon and the Bayou.

Bourbon and the Bayou is one of two primary fundraisers for CASA of Lexington that helps raise funds to provide advocates to child abuse and neglect victims in the family court system. The Mardi Gras themed event with Kentucky flair will take place Friday, February 24 at the Carrick House in Lexington, Kentucky. Event tickets can be purchased on the website www.lexingtoncasa.com or by calling the office (859) 246-4313. Attendance is not required to bid on auction items.

“Individuals interested in the halters or any of the other amazing products we have can bid on the items online without attending the event and from any location. The wonderful part is all of the proceeds from the auction and event go directly to provide advocacy for child abuse and neglect victims right here in our own community,” said Melynda Milburn Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington.

CASA works to ensure that all victims of child abuse and neglect are given a chance to thrive in a safe, permanent home. CASA’s trained and supervised volunteers provide an independent voice for children, one child at a time, by speaking for their best interests in the family court system. CASA of Lexington currently serves Fayette and Bourbon counties.

Child abuse is a real issue for the state of Kentucky and the city of Lexington. Last year in Fayette County CASA of Lexington served 398 children. However, there were 979 children CASA of Lexington could not serve due to lack of staff and volunteers. Programs rely primarily on events and individual donations to run their programs.

Children with a CASA advocate spend 7.5 fewer months in foster care, experience fewer out of home placements and have significantly improved educational performance. This not only helps children recover faster, it also results in savings to the state because of the reduced time spent in foster care.

To bid on items at the event please visit the event website at https://my.bidr.co/events/bandb. If you are interested in tickets to the event or becoming a CASA volunteer please contact the office at (859) 246-4313 or visit the website at www.lexingtoncasa.com.