CASA of Berks Celebrates 10th Anniversary, Community Leaders and Foster Youth Earn Awards

By Nancy McCullar

CASA of Berks County celebrated its goal of holding its largest-ever fundraiser, CASA Gala of Light, on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Building 24 in Wyomissing.

“Three years ago, we set an ambitious goal to raise $50,000 for our Champions for Children Campaign,” said Executive Director Nancy McCullar, MSW. “In order to meet the needs of abused and neglected Berks County youth, we set a goal of raising $50,000 each year. In our Gala of Light in 2025, we surpassed that goal. We celebrate that the event raised $70,000. Most importantly, this funds our work of recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer citizens who become Court Appointed Child Advocates for abused and neglected children in Berks County.”

CASA of Berks County bestowed its Founding Visionary Award to the Berks County Community Foundation, the United Way of Berks County, and the Wyomissing Foundation. CASA Berks also awarded its Champion for Children Award to Anne Marie Cucinotta. During the Gala, the attendees celebrated the reunification of one of its foster children with his older sister.

Founding Visionary Award

Three Berks County organizations provided startup funds for CASA Berks County in 2015. Each of their Founding Visionary Award reads: “Ten years ago, you took a leap of faith by investing in CASA of Berks County. Your belief in our mission gave us the foundation to grow and the strength to stand for children in foster care. Today we honor your generosity, vision, and lasting impact.”

Frankie Aiken, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, accepted the Founders Award on behalf of Berks County Community Foundation. Monice Reyes, Vice President of Programs and Initiatives at the Foundation, noted, “By sparking hope and breaking cycles of neglect, CASA helps children move toward a future where they can thrive as healthy, empowered adults.”

United Way of Berks County President Tammy White accepted the Founders Award on behalf of the United Way. “Together, CASA and United Way are helping to give our community’s children the stability and safety they deserve, and creating a future filled with hope and opportunity.”

Wyomissing Foundation President Patricia Giles accepted the Founders Award on behalf of the organization. “The Wyomissing Foundation provided critical funding to establish CASA of Berks County. The Foundation is proud to have played a role in CASA’s first 10 years of impact and looks forward to the many more children who will be supported, uplifted, and empowered in the years ahead.”

Champion for Children Award

Ann Marie Cucinotta, Esq., has dedicated more than two decades to serving children and families in Berks County as a Juvenile Court Hearing Officer and previously as a Solicitor for Berks County Children and Youth Services. She was a founding member of the CASA Board of Directors and is active on statewide committees focused on improving outcomes for children. Her professional leadership and community service reflect her lifelong dedication to ensuring that children receive the care, advocacy, and support they deserve. The CASA of Berks County Board of Directors is delighted to honor her with its Champion for Children Award.

Reunification Celebration

Anthony and his siblings entered foster care a few years ago. At first, he lived with his older sister, Kaitlyn, and younger siblings in a kinship placement. But when caring for all five children became too difficult, Kaitlyn — already over 18 — set out on her own and lost touch with her brothers and sisters. Anthony was later placed in a group home, feeling isolated and longing for family. In June 2024, CASA Nadia was assigned to his case. Learning how much Anthony missed Kaitlyn and his grandmother, she worked to reconnect them. Their reunion was joyful — and life-changing. Kaitlyn soon became a certified kinship provider, and Anthony now lives with her full-time. At the Gala, we honored CASA Nadia for making the connection, Kaitlyn for her courage, and Anthony for his resilience.

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Source: bctv