HACKENSACK—Bergen County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) on Sept. 30 held its 2024 Fore the Kids Golf and Pickleball Classic at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, bringing together community members for a day of fun, competition, and philanthropy.
The event, led by honoree Marc Blatt, newly appointed vice president of CASA’s Board of Trustees, is being hailed as a tremendous success. Participants enjoyed lively rounds of golf and pickleball, all while supporting Bergen County’s most vulnerable children.
Attendees were treated to a buffet dinner, wine, and beer, making the day even more special. Blatt’s daughters—Hadley, EJ, and Alexis—played pickleball for the first time to support their father. His wife, Lindsey, and father, Howard, also joined in, adding a heartwarming family touch to the day’s activities.
Kundert Volvo of Hasbrouck Heights, a longtime supporter of Bergen CASA, has sponsored the organization for the past three years and once again provided a hole-in-one car for the event, as they have done for every Golf Classic over the past four years. Their ongoing commitment is deeply appreciated.
The funds raised from the event will help CASA continue its mission of advocating for the more than 120 children in Bergen County’s foster care system. CASA volunteers are often the only consistent adult presence in these children’s lives, representing their best interests in court and providing much-needed stability.
“These events not only help raise critical funds but also bring attention to the needs of foster children in our community,” said Lucy Rosen, executive director of Bergen County CASA. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we received, especially from Marc Blatt and his family.”
Blatt brings years of leadership experience to CASA from his work with Rampart Agency and his service on advisory panels and the foundation board of Englewood Hospital. His involvement in the Golf and Pickleball Classic helped rally support for CASA’s mission, and his dedication to the cause is a source of inspiration for the community.
Stay Involved: Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Bergen County CASA has more events lined up, and the community is encouraged to participate. On Dec. 12, join CASA for a special performance of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief: The Musical at the Bergen County Players Theater, and mark your calendars for the Annual Casino Night on May 7, 2025, at Seasons Catering in Washington Township.
In addition to these events, CASA is always seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as advocates for children navigating the foster care system. CASA offers volunteer training, and the organization is particularly in need of male and Spanish-speaking volunteers to better meet the diverse needs of the children it serves. To learn more about volunteering, visit bergencasa.org/become-a-casa.
“Foster children need stability and support, and CASA volunteers provide that crucial lifeline,” said Rosen. “We welcome anyone with a passion for helping children to get involved.”
Through the generosity of sponsors, participants, and volunteers, Bergen County CASA can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of foster children—one advocate at a time.