Last year, more than 500 child victims of abuse and neglect in the five northern counties were served by the North Idaho Court Appointed Special Advocate program, which trains volunteers to represent children in court proceedings and work on their behalf.

About 200 of those kids were younger than 5 years old.

The need for CASA’s services is growing — but only one fifth of the nonprofit’s funding comes from the Idaho State Legislature.

“CASA now serves over 500 child victims each year,” said Kristin Ludwig, director of development for North Idaho CASA. “In order to serve every child victim, we raise additional funds through corporate partners, events and private donations.”

That’s where CASA Uncorked comes in.

Hosted at the Hagadone Event Center on Thursday, Oct. 24, the dinner and auction is North Idaho CASA’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Auction lots include a four-night stay at the Ashely Creek Ranch in Montana, a sheriff’s boat cruise and barbecue and more. For the first time this year, 50 guests will have a chance to win their choice of a live item before the auction begins.

“With the increase in child abuse cases, we would love to host a sell-out event this October,” Ludwig said.

She noted that it can sometimes be hard to grasp CASA’s work, because so much of it happens out of the public eye. Much of the money raised by CASA goes toward training advocates who get children into safer environments through the court system.

“Our advocates and volunteers stand up for these child victims in the courts,” she said.

To address the growing need to support more child protection cases and subsequent increase in administrative, training and support resources, CASA has recently opened a new office and training center in Coeur d’Alene.

The center is being remodeled to incorporate the Ginno Kids Closet, which provides the children CASA serves with supplies such as diapers, clothing and backpacks for school. The new facility will provide an appropriate, safe space for supervised visits between parents and their children, as well as a place for advocates to meet with the individuals they serve.

While the office and training center was paid for by a captain campaign, CASA relies on funds raised at Uncorked to support other endeavors.

The guest speaker at Uncorked is Detective Tom Sudol, who has been assigned to the Coeur d’Alene Police Detective Division for six years. He specializes in child abuse cases.

It’s challenging, emotionally grueling work that most officers don’t continue for more than a few years, Ludwig said. But that hasn’t been the case for Sudol.

“He has stayed on board and led that detective unit for years because he sees the importance of these cases,” she said.

During the fundraiser, Detective Sudol will share his story and illustrate the role North Idaho CASA plays in child abuse cases.

CASA Uncorked will be Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Hagadone Event Center. Table sponsorships and tickets are available. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Info: www.NorthIdahoCasa.org/uncorked