April 23, 2026 | 6:30PM-11PM
Wausau Contemporary Museum of Art
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 thenewly renovated Wausau Contemporary Museum of Art, a venue that perfectly reflects the blend of elegance, creativity, andcommunity 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. Guestsare encouraged to wear blue cocktail attire, a visible statement of unity and advocacy for children in need of a voice.
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:
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Find a safe, permanent home sooner
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Succeed in school
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Be half as likely to re-enter the foster care system
Thanks to local support, CASA of Marathon County has been able to:
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Recruit volunteers and leverage resources such as the VolunteerCoordinator role (with impact grants) to scale up capacity.
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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
THE SPONSORS
Gala
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Volunteer
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Donate
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