NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Lincoln County CASA is putting a unique twist on fundraising this weekend, inviting the community to solve a fictional crime while supporting children in need.
The organization's CASA Crime Scene fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at the Lincoln County RV Park in North Platte. The evening will feature an interactive murder mystery, dinner, prizes and additional fundraising opportunities.
Lincoln County CASA Executive Director Janet Vath says the event will offer participants a chance to experience crime scene investigation with some familiar local faces leading the way.
Retired Nebraska State Patrol officer J.J. Conley has volunteered to organize and lead the event, developing the fictional crime scene, characters and investigative elements.
"He's scanning the crime scene, he's using some scientific equipment that he has," Vath said. "It will be a lot of fun. If anybody knows J.J., he will keep us in stitches."
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office employee John Stadler will also participate, with Vath joking that Stadler plans to show Conley how to solve the crime right away.
Doors will open between 6 and 6:30 p.m., with a taco bar available for dinner. The crime scene investigation is expected to begin around 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30 per person, which includes dinner and participation in the evening's activities. Tickets can be purchased through Lincoln County CASA's website or at the door.
The fundraiser will also feature a wine and whiskey pull, with whiskey selections available for $50 and wine selections for $20. A prize-filled cooler containing steaks, whiskey, blankets and other items will also be awarded during the event.
CASA is additionally selling raffle tickets for a quarter of beef, a prize package Vath estimates is worth approximately $2,500. Tickets for the beef raffle are $30 each and can be purchased through CASA board members or by contacting the organization.
While the evening promises plenty of entertainment, the money raised supports an important mission.
CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, provides trained volunteers who advocate for children involved in the court system.
"A CASA advocate is a voice for a child in the court system," Vath explained.
Advocates attend court proceedings, meet with children and families, visit schools and prepare reports for judges with recommendations about each child's needs and best interests.
Vath says training a new advocate costs approximately $500, including 30 hours of initial training, background checks and continuing education.
"It's pretty costly for us to have advocates, but in the same token, it's very needy," Vath said. "We have to do this for these children."
The organization serves children throughout Lincoln County and continues to seek additional volunteer advocates.
For tickets, raffle information or more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit Lincoln County CASA or find the organization on Facebook.
The CASA Crime Scene fundraiser takes place Saturday night, October 24, at the Lincoln County RV Park in North Platte, with doors opening around 6 p.m. and the investigation beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m.