On the evening of Thursday, September 12th, CASA’s annual Fall Fundraiser took place at Raleigh Union Station, with guests arriving in style, ready to make a difference. Sponsored by over 50 local businesses and individuals, the event welcomed nearly 250 attendees to a cocktail hour on the station’s terrace, offering stunning views of downtown Raleigh’s skyline. It was a night of new connections, familiar faces, and a shared commitment to supporting affordable housing.
As guests made their way down the grand staircase for dinner, they were met with an impressive array of silent auction items, raffle prizes, and a wine pull featuring over 100 bottles. The event wasn’t themed in a traditional sense but carried a deeper message—this year’s theme was HOMECOMING; a reflection of what CASA’s work truly means for so many in our community.
CASA’s CEO, Everett McElveen, opened the program by highlighting the progress made and the future of CASA’s mission. He reminded everyone of the significance of HOMECOMING for the many individuals in Wake County who will soon benefit from the opening of CASA’s newest project, King’s Ridge. Following Everett’s remarks, Molly Painter, a passionate advocate for affordable housing, shared her journey and the powerful relationships she has built through her work. Guests then turned their attention to a video from Michael, a CASA resident, who touched everyone’s hearts as he spoke about what home means to him. The program concluded with a heartfelt appeal from longtime donor and board member, Tina Konidaris, asking for continued support.
For those familiar with CASA’s mission, the evening was a powerful reminder of the lives that are changed by providing stable, affordable housing. It was also a moment to pause and reflect on the stories that make this work so impactful. By the end of this year, CASA will have opened two new properties: Bryan Place in Durham and King’s Ridge in Raleigh. The latter is a landmark community effort that will reduce homelessness in Wake County by 10%. CASA has also broken ground on a new project for youth aging out of foster care and is in discussions for a community collaboration in Orange County. By 2025, CASA expects to be supporting nearly 700 households across the Triangle.
The fundraiser, aptly named HOMECOMING 2024, raised over $180,000—a record amount for CASA. These funds will ensure that residents remain safe and stable in their homes, helping them begin their own “homecoming” stories. Whether you sponsored, donated, participated in the raffle or auction, attended the event, or supported us from afar, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Our work is only possible because of your generosity and heart for our mission. We cannot thank you enough for providing the most vulnerable members of our community with a safe, stable home. Thank you for helping us end homelessness in our community.
