Editor’s note: This article has been updated to accurately reflect participants’ affiliation with CASA. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Country music, line dancing and plenty of wine were the highlights of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Benito County’s “Sip, Savor, Celebrate” event.
The annual fundraiser was held on May 10 at Swank Farms in Hollister.
According to Gene Hopp, vice chair of the CASA board of directors, about 150 people attended the event, which helps fund the organization’s programs, and is one of the many ways the organization raises funds, including grants, gifts, and donations.
“Basically, the whole staff takes care of the kids,” Hopp said. “The money we raise goes to their expenses and to run the office.”
Attendee Israel Gonzalez said he heard about the event from a friend and decided to join the fun.
“I just like to contribute to the community, and to the foster children,” Gonzalez said. “I also enjoy beer and wine, and all the little nibbles they provided us. Everything is delicious,”
Desiree Butron also attended with her husband Ron, who played guitar at the event, and she said she enjoyed the beautiful flowers and the camaraderie.
“It’s a good cause, and I like the CASA group here at Hollister,” she said. “Everybody’s having a good time, smiling and talking to each other, making new friends. Maybe one day I can be a CASA member, too.”
Vicky Fortino is the Executive Director of United for San Benito.
“I wanted to come because it’s a great cause,” she said, “and I wanted to support my husband Phil, who was the auctioneer today.”
Alison Garcia was there with her mother, Susan Postigo, who is a CASA advocate. She said she wanted to check out the raffles, the live auction and the music.
“I wanted to see how nice it is,” she said, “because Swank Farms always puts on some good events out here. Also, the weather is really nice and there’s a lot of people here.”
Edna Chinn, who volunteered for the event, said that she is always thrilled to support the organization in any way and particularly enjoys the auctions.
“I actually came to volunteer,” Chinn said. “But I have been bidding and buying raffle tickets ever since they started this event. I finally won a refrigerator. I’m very excited.”
Albert Gomes said he loves coming to the fundraiser and spending time with good friends
“We were happy to attend,” Gomes said. “We like to support a good cause. This was a beautiful event and we wish all the best to CASA.”
Allison Garcia and Susan Postigo. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Pam Quinn. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Teri Montelius, Catalina Ortiz Lemos and Cristina Martinz. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Esther Curtice and Edna Chinn. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Teri Montelius and Cristina Martinz. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Jill Camrom Ann and Shannon Hansen. Photo by Adam Bell. 
A table piled high with snacks at Sip, Savor Celebrate. 
Angela Diaz. Photo Adam Bell. 
Edna Chinn won the fundraiser grand prize, a new wine and beer refrigerator. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Gene Hopp and Debbie Brown. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Desiree Butron, Ron Butron and Roman Button. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Pepple are having fun doing line dancing. Photo by Adam Bell.