CASA Benefit Lets Mother and Daughter Thank the Agency That Helped Them Through Tough Times

ST. PETERSBURG - Lauren Hubbard's excitement seemed to electrify the room, as she and a corps of helpers started setting up for the black-tie affair.

Hubbard, 24, is a political science major at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, on track to graduate in just a few weeks. Instead of thinking about her own celebration, she chose to commemorate her mom, Catherine, and CASA, the organization that helped them in their darkest hour.

As a present for her mother's 50th birthday Tuesday, she threw a party to benefit Community Action Stops Abuse, known as CASA.

"It was through CASA that we were able to overcome and survive as a single parent family" explained Lauren Hubbard. "I wanted to do this in honor of my mother."

At three years old, she and her mother sought help from CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse). CASA was founded in 1977 and offers 24-hour hotline for crisis intervention, legal advocacy and professional training.

CASA was designed to help the abused find sanctuary and success in survival. Catherine and Lauren Hubbard did just that, and have never forgotten the support and kindness they received.

A few months back, Lauren Hubbard began brainstorming ideas for recognizing her mother's 50th birthday.

After running into CASA's directory at a Christmas party, Hubbard had an inspiration. "I called her up and said 'I want to do a party for my Mother and I want CASA to benefit' from it," said Hubbard.

Bishop Lounge in Downtown St. Petersburg was the chosen venue for the red-carpet event, while Central Avenue Oyster Bar catered. Doug Hensel, better known as DJ Fresh, donated his talent for the cause. "I think this is a fantastic event and I'm here to do anything I can to help" said Hensel.

A mass of supporters showed up to honor Catherine. "The highlight of the night for me was seeing the strength in my mother," said Lauren.

Donations, two raffles and a silent auction accounted for half of the earnings for the night. The other half came from the 14 pieces of abstract art donated by local artist, Theresa Doll. Doll and Hubbard have been best friends for years and collaborated to make the event happen.

"I've seen what this organization did for my best friend" said Theresa Doll. "So, for me, this is an opportunity to give back."

Compassion is cyclical as Lauren Hubbard recalls her childhood and the CASA volunteers who helped them along the way.

Upon their arrival to the shelter, there was a group of people asking, "What can we do?" Now 20 years later, "here we are asking the same question and answering it with this event," Lauren Hubbard said.