Community and local builders join forces to raise $37,000 for foster care advocacy through CASA’s Parade of Playhouses.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — The CASA Parade of Playhouses event returned in 2024, exceeding all expectations and raising a record $37,000 to support foster care advocacy in Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties. After a three-year pause, this beloved event showcased six creative and unique playhouses, with the drawing held just before the Huntsville Christmas Parade.
A Community-Wide Effort
The event featured six playhouses, each custom-designed and built by generous local builders who donated their time, labor, and materials. The playhouses included:
- “Micro Manor” by Gulf Coast Trades Center, a playhouse created as a teaching tool for students learning construction.
- “Evergreen Escape” by In Pace Builders, featuring a charming pink door and chandelier, perfect as a cozy retreat.
- “The Little Farmhouse” by Markham Realty, a farmhouse design that quickly became a crowd favorite.
- “The Whimsy Workshop” by Seale Construction, a whimsical creation with playful barn doors.
- “Kat’s Kamper” by SHSU Facilities Management, built using Sam Houston State University’s shop tools and resources.
- “Home for the Holidays” by Superior Homes Custom, Inc., a festive playhouse decked out with candy canes and holiday decor.
Winners of the playhouses were announced as part of the event:
- April Nichols won “Micro Manor.”
- Linda Bowman won “Evergreen Escape.”
- Jordan Hougaard won “The Little Farmhouse.”
- Dana Kooi-Smith won “The Whimsy Workshop.”
- Katie Halbert won “Kat’s Kamper.”
- Donna Castleschouldt won “Home for the Holidays.”
Sponsors and Record Support
The 2024 Parade of Playhouses was made possible by the support of key sponsors, including Walker County Federal Credit Union as the Presenting Sponsor, Iron Bros. as the Raffle Sponsor, and H-E-B as the Parade Sponsor. Their contributions ensured the event’s success and helped CASA reach a new fundraising milestone.
Over 2,000 tickets were sold for the drawing, with community members eager to support CASA’s mission. “The response has been absolutely heartwarming,” said Laura Green, Development Director at CASA. “To see the community come together and show this level of enthusiasm for the playhouses and our work is truly inspiring.”
Mayor Russell Humphrey purchased the final tickets on the day of the drawing, pushing the total sales over the $37,000 mark.
History and Future of the Event
The Parade of Playhouses began in 2018 and quickly became a signature event for CASA. Inspired by similar events hosted by Dallas CASA and other CASA programs nationwide, it has grown significantly from its humble beginnings of three playhouses. “The first year we were just amazed we could pull it off,” said Kim Weiser, CASA’s Executive Director. “To see it evolve into this major event is incredible.”
With the success of this year’s event, CASA is already planning for next year. “Builders are already asking to be involved in 2025,” Green noted, hinting at an even larger and more exciting event to come.
Impact of the Funds Raised
The funds raised will support CASA’s mission to provide trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care. These advocates ensure that each child has a voice in court and access to necessary resources.
“This event not only raises money but also raises awareness about the work we do,” Weiser said. “It’s about ensuring that every child in foster care has someone in their corner, fighting for what’s best for them.”
For more information about CASA of Walker, San Jacinto, and Trinity Counties and how to support their mission, visit www.casaofwalkercounty.org.
