It has long been CASA’s vision to move out of our cramped quarters on the third floor of the old Watsonville Community Hospital into a homey place where Advocates can visit with the children. Last year CASA launched a campaign to raise funds to purchase a suitable casa, and this spring bought a Watsonville house, 813 Freedom Boulevard, at foreclosure auction. It has plenty of room, a mortgage and needs major renovation, but it will serve CASA well into the future.

We are very honored to be able to name our house the Mary and Richard Solari House.

Our fundraising efforts have been very successful, with pledges from community members for approximately 82% of the $1.5 million goal. As of January 2010, about $240,000 is still needed to fully fund the project, which includes zoning and permitting, renovations and paying off the mortgage.

Interested in learning more about recognition and naming opportunities? Contact Nancy Sherrod at nancys@casaofsantacruz.org.

Renovation will begin no later than April and relocation will be early Fall.

Many professional volunteers have already stepped forward to help us:

• Jerry Angelo, Engineer
• Charlene Ebey, Interior Design
• Teall Messer, Architect
• Janet Pollock, Landscape Architect
• Jeff Talmadge, Contractor
• Duane Smith, Engineer
• Susan Williams, Interior Design Consultant

Interested in volunteering to help create this dream? CASA needs general volunteers for demolition, clean-up, painting and those with skills in carpentry, plumbing, and wiring. Please contact Gayle at gayletopping@aol.com for more information.

With your help, it will become a reality!