CASA Newsletter
January 2013

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State-of-the-Art Golf Course at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club (above)

Playing Golf for a Purpose

Please join us on Friday, March 8, 2013, for the HSN Cares 3rd Annual Partners in Charity Golf Tournament in support of CASA at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Mindy Grossman, CEO, HSNi, and members of her executive team will also be playing and participating in the schedule of events.
 
To review the sponsorship opportunities or to register to play, please visit: http://www.hsncaresgolftournament.com/.  If you have any questions regarding the golf tournament, registration, or sponsorship, please contact Stuart Berger, CASA Development Director, directly at: (727) 872-4412 x 114 or Tracy.Hood@hsn.net.

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We are honored that the St Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce has nominated CASA for the Good ‘Burger Award in the Community Service and Non-profit category.  They will have a “People’s Choice Award” event at the St Petersburg Shuffle Board Course on March 7.  The award will be based on votes we receive from the community.  Voting starts February 1 through Feb 15. CASA will be sending out the link below every day via Facebook so you can remember to vote for us. 

Beginning February 1st, VOTE HERE for CASA: www.stpete.org/GoodBurger

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On January 21, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade through downtown St. Petersburg, Linda Osmundson, CASA Executive Director, joins CASA supporters Joe Harris and Serena Vazquez (in front), CASA staff members, Christina Simonetti, Meaghan Harris, Crystal Cook and Anita Griffin, and CASA Board member Randy Lewis.

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CASA Survivor Story
[in her own words]

"I am the victim of dating/domestic violence. I have been a resident and property owner in Florida for the past five years in a small historic fishing town with less than 900 year round residents. I worked there and set up the largest chain store.

In the process, I helped a vagrant artist. Unfortunately, I had a short relationship with him. He got very controlling and violent. I tried to end the relationship with him. He would not let me. He harassed. He stalked. The violence grew out of control. I am in fear of my life. He threatened my life on a daily basis. I obtained a permanent injunction. In rural Florida, this is not an easy task in the current court system. It is an old blue blood system where the civil and judicial systems work in opposite directions!

I asked/begged for help from the local church and a well known local women’s group. I wrote letters. I made phone calls. I talked to anyone who would listen. I guess as with most victims, I just fell between the cracks. I sold most of my possessions just to survive. With no help, no job and serious health conditions, I just kept struggling forward.  After approximately three years and five reported show cause orders/violations, my abuser was convicted and served fifteen days in jail. I am hopeful that someone in a similar position will read this story and will be inspired. It takes time but your voice will be heard. Have faith, be strong, but most of all believe in yourself.

I spoke to an advocate at CASA many times about my abuser. She was very helpful and I thank her very much for all her support. I am still having problems with my abuser and he has moved back into town. He again is stalking me. This time, with her strength I have found my voice. Thanks. "

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Leave a Legacy -
when planning your estate.

Including the following information for your bequest will allow you to impact the future of survivors of domestic violence and their children:


Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA)
P.O. Box 414
St. Petersburg, Florida 33731
Federal Tax I.D. #59-2114359

For more information, contact Stuart Berger, Development Director, at (727) 895-4912 x 114,
or e-mail sberger@casa-stpete.org

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