Steamboat Springs Hosts Dancing with the Stars for CASA

The sun sets over the Yampa Valley, casting a warm orange glow over the Strings Musical Festival in Steamboat Springs. The stage, usually reserved for musical performances, is abuzz with activity as volunteers and performers prepare for the annual Dancing with the Stars event. Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA's signature fundraiser is just hours away, and the excitement is palpable.

As the new executive director of Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA, Jim McCormick is still getting accustomed to the organization's inner workings. But he's been struck by the community's passion for this cause. "It's been pretty phenomenal," McCormick says, reflecting on his first seven months on the job. "What's been a real education for me is how many people are involved in this effort and the kind of hold it has on the community." The event, which features local "stars" paired with choreographers to perform live routines, has become a beloved tradition in the valley.

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, serves a critical role in the 14th Judicial District, which includes Routt, Moffat, and Grand counties. The organization's volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases. Since becoming an independent organization in 2012, CASA has served over 500 children in the region. Volunteers work tirelessly to gather information, build relationships, and provide the court with support and insight to ensure the best possible outcomes for these vulnerable children. As McCormick notes, "We ensure pathways of hope, safety, and stability for children in those situations."

The work of CASA is undoubtedly serious, but the Dancing with the Stars event brings a much-needed injection of fun and energy to the organization's mission. Participants, who take on a fundraising role in addition to their performances, compete to raise the most money for CASA. It's a unique approach that has resonated with the community, and the event has become a key revenue stream for the organization. Wendy Wade, a planning committee member and former dancer, attests to the event's impact. "This event has always brought the community together for a fun night, often referred to as Steamboat's favorite night out," she says.

As the evening wears on, the stage will come alive with music and movement. The "stars" will shine, and the community will come together to support a cause that is both critical and deeply personal. For Wade, who first participated in the event in 2018, the experience was transformative. "The personal stories, those transformations from hardship to hope, are what truly drew me to CASA," she says. "This organization changes lives, and I believe every child deserves to be heard and cared for." The event may be a celebration, but it's also a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to support vulnerable children in the region.

The lights dim, and the crowd quiets in anticipation of the first performance. The air is electric, and the sense of community is palpable. As the music begins, the "stars" take to the stage, their movements a testament to the power of hope and resilience becomes: The music begins, and the "stars" take to the stage, their movements embodying the power of hope and resilience. It's a night that will be remembered for a long time, not just for the entertainment value, but for the impact it will have on the lives of children in need. The event may be a fundraiser, but it's also a celebration of the human spirit, and the incredible things that can happen when a community comes together to support a common cause.

As McCormick looks out at the crowd, he's reminded of the organization's mission. "About 70 percent of the time, these situations are caused by the parents," he says, highlighting the complexity of the issues CASA faces. "So right off the bat, the parents and the child are separated. That advocate connects with the child and helps guide them through the process." It's a sobering reality, but one that the community is determined to address, one dance step at a time.

The night wears on, and the performances come to a close. The crowd erupts into applause, and the "stars" take their final bows. It's been a night to remember, and one that will have a lasting impact on the community. As the audience files out of the venue, they're each given a small reminder of the mission of CASA, and the importance of their support. The event may be over, but the work of this organization is far from finished. The community will continue to come together, to support, and to advocate for the most vulnerable children in their midst. And as the lights fade to black, the community's commitment to this cause will endure.