CASA building receives upgrade

TIFFIN — CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties' home office, 21 Court St., in Tiffin recently received renovations to its exterior. The building's facade was updated with fresh paint and new doors. The brickwork of the side alley was also repaired. Clouse Construction carried out the changes. "We were supported by National Machinery with a $15,000 grant," said CASA executive director Tracie Cress. "We got $10,000 from the Downtown Facade Enhancement grant and an additional $5,000 from personal donations." Cress said the donations took care of about half the cost of the renovations. For the remainder of the cost, the organization has seen success in fundraising through pull tabs, which has helped CASA financially for the past couple of years. "We are pleased with the work," she continued. "We are thankful for the opportunity to get the facade grant and we are thankful for the donors." "The building is way more inviting (since the renovation) not only to the public but our volunteers," said Michelle Hess, CASA tri-county assistant and communications coordinator. The home office still needs exterior repairs; however, Cress and Hess agreed that they want to take a break from renovations and will return to the interior repairs later. The two are thankful for all donations towards the renovations and listed some of CASA's top donors. Downtown Tiffin Facade Grant National Machinery Foundation American Legion Post 169 Nancy Rubenstein How to get involved CASA trains people in the community to advocate for abused and neglected children in court. CASA volunteers make sure the best interest of the child does not get overlooked throughout the court process. Anyone can be a CASA volunteer. One just needs to be 21 years or older, pass a background check and want to help children. The next volunteer training course will take place at 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at CASA's Tiffin office, 21 Court St. To find out more information about CASA or to receive an application, visit CASA's website at casaofssw.org or call 419-448-1442. Upcoming event The eighth annual Tiffin Zombie Run 5k and 1-mile walk fundraiser is scheduled to begin with registration at 9 a.m. and the race to begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 19. It will take place at Steyer Nature Preserve, 5901 N CR 33, Tiffin. The award ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. All ages are welcome, costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume contest for those that dress up. Race participants will try to finish the race without having the zombies hidden throughout the course steal one of the sashes participants will be wearing. Refreshments will be provided by High Voltage Coffee Company. $30 registration includes a free t-shirt! Participants can register for $35 on the race day of the race but are not guaranteed a shirt. Register online at runsignup.com/Race/OH/TiffinZombieRun All proceeds will be used to support CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties. If you would like to be a zombie for this year's event, contact Michelle at 567-804-9990 or sign up on the registration website.