Dancing event raises $32K

FREMONT — CASA of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties presented its 14th-annual Sandusky County Stars Dancing for CASA fundraiser, taking place Saturday at Terra State Community College in Fremont. CASA, short for court-appointed special advocate, is a national organization with local chapters that trains people to become volunteer advocates for children. The event raised nearly $32,300. "Funds raised from this event will be used to support volunteer recruitment, training and supervision," according to an organizational statement. "Our CASA volunteers are highly trained, committed individuals who are advocates for children who are victims of abuse and neglect." CASA officials thanked many people for making this event a success, including: • The Ballroom Co. instructors: Nicole Nieves, Dave Ludlow, Denise Kiser, and Michael Bulger • Celebrity dancers, who were paired with these instructors: — Sara Webert, owner of RoseLee Crystals and Pearls and dispatcher for Oak Harbor police; Webert won the People's Choice Award. — Travis Brown, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier; Brown won the Judge's Choice Award. — Jamey Wilkins, public relations coordinator at Great Lakes Community Action Partnership — Melissa Gerber, realtor for Wendt Key Team Realty and universal banker at Old Fort Banking Co. "Congratulations to all our winners and participants," according to CASA.