Southwest Florida currently has many children in the dependency court system, with many in Charlotte County alone. These children, through no fault of their own, have been placed under court supervision, and removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These vulnerable children, many of whom live in temporary homes until a safe, permanent solution is achieved, experience many changes, often very rapidly. Their futures are very uncertain, and their young, fragile lives are extremely stressful because they do not know what will happen next.
During this very uncertain time, dedicated, trained Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Volunteers become the “voice” for these children in the courts, their temporary living placements, schools, the case management system, and with other community agencies. In many cases, the GAL volunteer is the one constant in the child’s life. Southwest Florida residents, including a number of Burnt Store Marina residents, are currently serving as GAL volunteer advocates.
GAL volunteers determine if the child’s needs are being met. The volunteers can submit requests on the child’s behalf to A.N.A.’s Friends to help stabilize the children. They provide a sense of normalcy with items such as beds, tutoring, clothing, strollers, camps, sports participation, field trips, happier birthdays, and many other things not funded by any other source through the A.N.A.’s Friends Children’s Needs Program. All these children want is to find their forever home, and feel like everyone else their age. They want to feel normal, just like their peers. A.N.A.’s Friends raises the funds necessary to meet these needs, and to recruit and train GAL volunteer advocates.
We are thrilled to invite you to a bewitching afternoon at our Fifth Annual Fashion to a Tea, enchantingly supporting A.N.A.’s Friends! Join us for a magical blend of fashion and philanthropy, all in the spirit of Halloween and glam, benefiting abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Southwest Florida.
Save the date for October 30 at 11 a.m., as the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club transforms into a glamorous witch’s den for this special occasion. Our models, A.N.A.’s Fashionable Friends, will cast their spell on the runway in spellbinding attire from Anthony’s. Delight in a sumptuous lunch, sip on bewitching tea blends, and participate in thrilling raffles and auctions, all while surrounded by mystical waterfront views.
Tickets are limited, and disappear swiftly, like enchanted potions. So, secure your spot early! Visit Anasfriends.org, or contact us at (239) 245-7787 to reserve your place, or arrange payment by check. For sponsorship opportunities or further details, please contact Jessica Stanfield, Executive Director of A.N.A.’s Friends, at jstanfield@anasfriends.org or (239) 245-7787 or Barbara Berman at (443) 632-4885.
Let’s conjure up a spellbinding celebration to brighten the lives of children in need. Your presence and support will create spells of joy and hope!
