Kendra Scott Jewelry is giving customers the opportunity to pick up new bling while giving back.
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight at Perkins Rowe, one of many Kendra Gives Back events is being held in support of Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization that recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who serve as advocates for children living in foster care.
Not only will shoppers receive 10 percent off, but 10 percent of the proceeds will go directly to CASA. The organization’s mission is to serve every child who needs a voice, recruitment coordinator Jennifer Mayer said.
“These kids have been abused or neglected and have been placed in foster care for their protection,” Mayer said. “Our volunteers serve as their voice to reach safe and permanent homes.”
The store holds Kendra Gives Back events multiple times a week, store manager Jane Blount said. She said they’ll either give 10 percent to the organization and 10 percent off the customer’s purchase or give all 20 percent to the organization.
Engineering firm Terracon Consultants Inc. is organizing the event. Last year was the first year the organization teamed up with the store, Mayer said. Terracon contacted the Kendra Scott store and arranged a time.
During the shopping party, Mayer said there will be “cute, little sips and sweets — snacks and drinks.” She said she will also bring handout materials so that anyone shopping can know more about what they’re supporting.
“It feels good to know I’m helping in the efforts to recruit volunteers to help kids find forever families,” Mayer said.
Capital Area CASA retained 152 volunteers throughout 2015. No special background is required to be a volunteer, Mayer said. They don’t provide legal or social work. However, volunteers must be at least 21 years old.
“The volunteers are an independent voice speaking solely for the kids,” Mayer said. “We’re looking for people who want to make a difference. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, just like the kids.”
Volunteers work around 10-15 hours a month, Mayer said. They are instructed to see their child regularly and keep in touch with everyone involved in the child’s life — foster parents, biological family, the Department of Children and Family Services and their CASA supervisor.
Volunteers must complete written reports and submit their findings to a juvenile court judge. The CASA volunteer is able to provide the most detailed research, but each case is different.
In 2015, Capital Area CASA served 330 children ranging from birth to age 18. Only two judges see all of CASA’s cases. When teens reach 18, they are no longer wards of the state and are considered independent adults, but there are some situations where the CASA volunteer and teen remain in contact.
“Children will continue to enter foster care,” Mayer said. “Child abuse doesn’t sleep. We are serving every child, but will always need more volunteers.”

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Catherine Seddon

Kendra Scott is hosting a Kendra Gives Back Party to benefit Capitol Area CASA on March 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. During the party customers can save 10% and 10% of all sales go to Capitol Area CASA .