Georgia Casa Announces Kathy O'Neal as the Honoree for 2025 Casa on the Catwalk Event

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, March 21st, 2025

Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the state organization that supports and promotes volunteer advocates for children in foster care, is holding its nineteenth annual CASA on the Catwalk. The luncheon and fashion show will be held at a private club in the Buckhead area of Atlanta on Wednesday, April 23. Featuring spring fashions from Tootsies, the event raises funds to support affiliate CASA programs in all 159 counties across the state.

This year, Georgia CASA is proud to honor Kathy O’Neal for her long-standing commitment to advocacy for children in foster care. A dedicated leader in community development and family support, O’Neal played a pivotal role in establishing two CASA programs in Middle Georgia. She is a former Georgia CASA board member and a steadfast supporter of the organization’s mission.

“We are pleased to honor Kathy for her commitment to families and children in Georgia,” said Jen King, Georgia CASA Executive Director, “and grateful for the opportunity to recognize her at this year’s luncheon and fashion show. Like Kathy, CASA volunteers are determined and compassionate advocates for children who are navigating the foster care system, and this signature event allows us to share this mission with our larger community. The event committee and attendees join together in support of the CASA volunteers and affiliates who are working every day to bring attention and hope to children and their families.”

Passionate ambassadors for Georgia’s children support the cause and the event by sponsoring tables, joining the planning committee, and by walking the runway. The planning committee is co-chaired by Ursula Reynolds and Yvonne Nelli. Themed April in Paris, this year’s event is emceed by WAGA-FOX5 on-air personality Deidra Dukes. An online silent auction will be available prior to and during the event. Additionally, a fun and fast-paced paddle raise will be held at the event. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available through Georgia CASA.

This year’s sponsors to date include the following: Champion Sponsor Georgia Family Connection Partnership; Advocate sponsors Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP and Rebecca & David Wallis; Patron sponsors CPC Advisors, Care Solutions, Karon Drewniak, Amanda Hall Injury Law, and Synovus; Friends sponsors Central Georgia Technical College, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Kappa Alpha Theta Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, and Stroll Historic Brookhaven; Exclusive Luxury Lifestyle Magazine sponsor The Atlantan Modern Luxury; In-Kind sponsors Kellie Brewer, The Koy Effect, and Scribe Printing.