Embracing a nautical theme, the third annual Wine, Women and Shoes fundraiser generated more than $340,000 for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County, proving it’s all-waves ferry fun when supporters are out and a-boat.
“I’m really overwhelmed and speechless,” said Marissa Austin, CEO of CASA Wilco. “I am so incredibly honored and humbled by how the community showed up today for us. They listened to the stories, listened to how they [felt] what these children go through, and they stepped up big [time], and it’s going to make a huge impact for the children.”
The event raised funds that will directly benefit children who have experienced abuse or neglect by allowing CASA of Williamson County to provide them with a CASA volunteer during their time in the child welfare system.
Children in Texas Child Protective Services care can be placed anywhere, from communities across Texas to states across the country. This year, CASA volunteers will make multiple trips to Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, Tennessee, Montana, New York and Massachusetts while traveling across Texas for their assigned child.
Held at HighPointe Estate in Liberty Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event included wine samples, shopping, a catered lunch, a fashion competition, fundraising opportunities and a dance performance from the Sole Men as part of the festivities. Audience members also heard testimony from children, volunteers and families on how CASA Wilco has affected them.
One story detailed an update from a teen, who two years ago spoke at the first Wine, Women and Shoes event. A high school student's world changed overnight when his caregiver suddenly moved out of state. When the CASA volunteer picked him up from school the day after he moved, they learned that his belongings had not been retrieved and he was wearing pants that didn’t fit. So CASA took him shopping so he could return to school the next day with clothes that fit and a renewed sense of dignity.
“Since then, CASA has remained a steady source of support, advocating for stability, resources, and opportunities he needed to prepare for adulthood,” Ms. Austin said to the audience during the event. “This summer, he reached an exciting milestone by moving into his own apartment through a transitional living program, where he will receive support as he continues to complete his senior year of high school. He has his own car, and he works at an animal shelter writing adoption profiles for cats and dogs.”
Another story includes CASA volunteer Reed, who advocated for four brothers who were all diagnosed with autism. As he worked to understand their current needs, he recognized that their past experiences, medical records, school information and previous services could provide important insight into what has helped them and what support they need moving forward. Collectively, the records included more than 4,000 pages to review.
“Because Reed was willing to invest the time and effort to uncover the full story, these brothers now have a team that understands them more completely,” Ms. Austin said. “He ensures that decisions about their care are not based on what is happening today only, but on the experiences, the needs, the strengths that have shaped them over time. Through his dedication, Reed has helped give these boys a stronger voice and a better chance at receiving the support they need to thrive.”
From the $340,000 raised at the event, $33,740.17 was raised by the event’s Sole Men, a group of men who compete against each other to raise funds to be the King of Sole and help serve the women for the event.
This year, two Kings were crowned. Hector Verduzco and Rob Pickett both raised more than $10,000. Hector is with Bug Busters ATX and was the first original King of Sole in 2024. He has participated in this event every single year. For CASA, he has collectively raised $17,726.87.
“I told the guys, if you are the Sole’s, for the Sole Men, then I am the heel,” he said in a follow-up interview with the Sun. “People kept calling me to let me know that he raised more, and they were asking how they can help. It’s a really fun time, and we are supporting CASA and the kids. I love that.”
Rob is the husband of CASA Wilco board member Jana Pickett. When he’s not fundraising for CASA Wilco, Rob enjoys traveling with his family, discovering new places, trying great food and making the kind of memories that stick with you long after the trip is over.
A total of 25 men volunteered to help this year. The runners-up this year were Michael Howard, Mike Howell and Joseph Herzer.
“It was an absolutely well-attended event,” said Tina Clary, communications manager for CASA Wilco. “Molex, our presenting sponsor — as well as a long list of other sponsors, vendors, vintners, donors and supporters — came together to make this day happen.”
Next year’s Wine, Women and Shoes fundraiser is slated for September 25. A venue has yet to be determined. For updates on next year’s event details or to learn more about CASA Wilco, visit https://casawilco.org.