CASA is the acronym for court appointed special advocate, and the organization is very valuable to at-risk youth throughout the country.

CASA of Sanders and Lincoln counties is holding one of its two annual fundraisers on Thursday, March 14. It will be a chili feed from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the St. James Catholic Church basement in Plains, located at 107 Meany St.

Donations will be accepted for the meal, which includes chili with cornbread, plus coffee or lemonade, and a slice of homemade pie. Those attending are invited to register to win door prizes and there will be a 50-50 drawing.

Proceeds from the chili feed go to support CASA in Sanders and Lincoln counties. The counties are a “combined unit.”

According to CASA volunteer Peg McCarthy, Sanders County is required to raise $6,000 each year to go toward the salaries of a director and one CASA staff member, and to fund advocates, education and travel expenses.

McCARTHY INDICATED there are four “very good” CASA board members in Sanders County — Colleen McCarthy, Steve Seilhymer, Kathy Gregg and Polly Cavill, all of Plains. There is one “advocate” each in Plains, Hot Springs, Thompson Falls and Trout Creek. In addition, there are several volunteers who help with the program.

McCarthy is a former CASA board member who has passed her torch on to her daughter, Colleen.

“I loved it,” Peg said of being a board member, “and I want to help with as much fundraising as I can.”

She wanted to point out “CASA is set up to assist the children and their interests only.”

If you would like more information about the March 14 fundraiser or CASA in general, contact Peg McCarthy at 406-826-3527.