Imagine the sadness, confusion, and fear a child feels when removed from his or her home because of abuse or neglect. Through no fault of their own, children are taken away from their families in order to protect their health and welfare. But that process puts innocent young people into a legal system that can be intimidating for adults, never mind a child.

But there is a remarkable organization that is there to support and care for children at that frightening time called CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. The dedicated volunteers of CASA give tirelessly of their time and love to make sure that the children in their care are supported in every way from attending court hearings, to helping with homework, to being a trusted parental figure.

This important work is a labor of love for CASA volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the benefit of children in crisis. Their volunteerism requires extensive training and support.

Dan Ashley, ABC7 News Anchor and CASA board member, founded Rock the CASA, a California non-profit public benefit corporation, to help provide funding for that critical training.

Approved by the federal government as a fully tax-deductible 501c3 non-profit corporation, “Rock the CASA” produces an annual music concert as the principal fundraiser to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Contra Costa County.

Rock the CASA also contributes funds to Friends of Camp Concord which sends more than 400 under-served children to summer camp at Lake Tahoe every year. Dan is also a long-time board member of FOCC and believes that every child should have the chance to experience a traditional summer camp regardless of economic circumstances. In addition, to CASA of Contra Costa County and Friends of Camp Concord, Rock the CASA supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area and Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa who help kids realize their potential one relationship at a time.