By Roger Kasendorf
SAN DIEGO — My wife Sarah and I hosted an event on behalf of Voices for Children, an advocacy organization that provides financial and other needed support to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program.
When learning from a friend about the struggles that children in the foster system endure, we were moved. CASA offers qualified representation to children in foster care who have experienced abuse and neglect. Its advocates apply their special training and skills, coordinating their efforts with social workers, caregivers, attorneys, and other professionals to help navigate the challenges of court hearings, new homes and schools, and any other situation.
This is worthy cause which has special meaning to Sarah and me. As a Jewish family in San Diego, we believe that it is important to not only keep a happy, healthy home for our children, but also to provide for others who don’t necessarily have the same resources or representation.
Sarah, a pediatric occupational therapist and author, and I, a physical rehabilitation physician, work with patients every day to improve their health and function. Sarah has seen firsthand many of the difficulties in which adverse social and learning issues occur.
Another charity that we strongly support is Jewish Family Service. This organization provides all forms of social services to people of all backgrounds in need. I have seen the direct benefits that this organization brings to some of my elderly patients in all facets of their lives.
Unfortunately, there was a time in my family’s life when we found ourselves in need of others’ generosity. While living on the south shore of Long Island 10 years ago, our town was hit by Superstorm Sandy. At once, we found ourselves with a home destroyed, lost income, and closed schools. This was a very difficult time, but we were helped by Jewish charities that allowed us to help get our lives back in order. The stressful period gave us perspective on what it means to struggle, and the importance of giving back wherever possible.
Sarah and I both grew up on Long Island. Sarah’s father and grandfather were Orthodox rabbis, whereas I was brought up Conservative. I’ve learned a great deal about the spiritual nature of Judaism over the past 20 years, which includes helping others in need.
The children that will benefit from Voices for Children will be provided resources that they need to overcome hurdles to become happy and successful.
Our December 12 event was held at The Butcher Shop restaurant in Kearny Mesa and its theme was “Goodfellas Casino and Buffet.” The dinner featured casino gambling tables, where players played for raffle tickets, professional body painting by artist Lana Chromium, and a selection of hit songs made popular by Frank Sinatra. The cover songs were performed by our son, aspiring actor and vocalist Benjamin Kasendorf, who made us very proud and the attendees well entertained.
The event was a huge success, raising over $7,000, enough to support multiple CASAs for an entire year. Several attendees were so touched that they decided to become CASAs themselves.
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Roger Kasendorf is a physical rehabilitation physician.
We’re so proud of our children, Roger and Sarah and happy we were able to attend this outstanding event.