CASA for Children is thrilled to present our Hearts of Gold Award to NW Natural in honor of their exceptional support of children in foster care. Distributing over 1MM to our community annually, NW Natural has worked closely with CASA for Children Since 2012 through different grant programs, board service, and shared resources. CASA for Children is the only organization to have benefitted from NW Natural's Programs of Focus grants more than once. It's our pleasure to recognize and acknowledge our dear friends at NW Natural!

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From media release dated 5/21/25

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As CASA programs statewide are adapting to the recent termination of approximately $25 million in federal pass-through funding intended for the National CASA Association, Oregon’s largest and longest-serving CASA program, CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, and Tillamook Counties is leaning into our local community of supporters.

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On May 14, over $340,000 was raised during its annual fundraising event, Hearts of Gold. CASA for Children honored and celebrated longtime supporters, NW Natural, with their Hearts of Gold award. This award is given to businesses or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional support of children and youth in foster care.

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NW Natural distributes more than one million philanthropic dollars to communities in Oregon and SW Washington each year. CASA for Children has been fortunate to work with NW Natural since 2012 through different grant programs (including being a two-time Program of Focus grant recipient), board service and leadership, and shared resources.

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Says CASA for Children’s Executive Director, Betsy Stark Miller, “We’re honored to acknowledge the impact that NW Natural has made on children in in foster care. Their commitment to CASA for Children - and to so many other non-profits providing critical support to youth and families in our community – is something to be celebrated.”

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On hand to receive the award was Justin Palfreyman, President and CEO of NW Natural. Justin served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate himself many years ago, and is completing nine years of service on CASA for Children’s Board of Directors. “NW Natural is honored to be a long-time partner of CASA for Children,” said Palfreyman. “As a CASA board member for many years, I saw firsthand the significant impact that this organization can make on the lives of foster children in Oregon. I’m incredibly proud that NW Natural supports this invaluable investment in our communities.”

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CASA for Children trains and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are currently in the foster care system. CASA advocacy has been found to have significant and long-term positive impacts for children.

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Image, from left to right, Mary Turina, President, CASA for Children Board of Directors, Justin Palfreyman, President and CEO of NW Natural, and Betsy Stark Miller, Executive Director of CASA for Children.