Blueprint of Hope:Change a Ch... | CASA OF MARATHON CTY

April 23, 2026 | 6:30PM-11PM

Wausau Contemporary Museum of Art

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THE GALA

An evening of elegance. A future of hope.

The Blueprint of Hope Gala is CASA of Marathon County’s premier fundraising event — an evening designed to inspire,connect, and create lasting change for children in foster care.Following last year’s inaugural success, the gala returns in 2026 with even more purpose and energy. Guests will gather at the newly renovated Wausau Contemporary Museum of Art, a venue that perfectly reflects the blend of elegance, creativity, and community spirit that defines the night.In honor of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the evening embraces a blue theme — from the décor to the attire. Guests are encouraged to wear blue cocktail attire, a visible statement of unity and advocacy for children in need of a voice.

THE DETAILS

Where: The Contemporary Museum of Art

Address: 309 McClellan St, Wausau, WI 54403

When:

6:30pm

Cocktails and Appetizers

7:30pm

Welcome and Introductory Remarks Christy Keele, JD

Viewing of our CASA Mission Video

Presiding Judge Gregory Strasser

CASA Advocates Brian Firkus & Michelle Schaefer

7:45pm

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Gaelin Elmore

8:15pm

Live bidding on CASA-provided services

9pm

Music, Dancing and Mingling

Dress: Blue Cocktail Attire

FAQs:

Can I invite friends? Please do! We encourage you to share this event and invite your friends

Committee Members:

Kasey Greenheck-Committee Chair

Michelle Schaefer

Kayleigh Jost

Jill Mabry

Christy Keele

Kim Dennee

Goldzong Moua

THE IMPACT

AT A GLANCE

THE DIFFERENCE

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Founded in 2022, CASA of Marathon County ensures that all children have a right to be safe and have their voices heard.

CASA of Marathon County is the 10th CASA program in Wisconsin

and one of 15 counties served by CASA programs in the state.

In Wisconsin, there are approximately 6,000–7,000 children who

qualify for CASA services, yet only about 950 are currently served.

CASA of Marathon County works to help close that gap.

Studies (national CASA data) show that children who have experienced abuse or neglect, when they have a CASA volunteer

by their side, are more likely to:

Find a safe, permanent home sooner
Succeed in school
Be half as likely to re-enter the foster care system

Thanks to local support, CASA of Marathon County has been able to:

Recruit volunteers and leverage resources such as the VolunteerCoordinator role (with impact grants) to scale up capacity.
Through volunteer advocacy, children gain consistency, voice, andrepresentation in court, across school, and within their communities.(This is both emotional impact and a cost-saving benefit to the County.)

“We can never measure or fully comprehend the power of being with someone while they’re going through the good and the bad. If you listen to this and you hear any consistency through my story, it’s at the lowest low, at the highest high, I just wanted my people.”

-Gaelin Elmore

Former Foster Youth • Professional Football Player • Advocate for Change