Circle of life

WASILLA — Generous Valley folks are helping Santa with his list this year.

In a season when many kids grow excited to tell parents and the Jolly Old Elf their holiday wishes, others want only to escape from abusive situations. That’s where the Court Appointed Special Advocate program comes in. CASA professionals speak for those who most need a voice, which is why the holidays are so important to raise community awareness, said Jamey Duhamel, outreach coordinator for the Valley program.

“For those children, it’s even more important that there are even more community resources that are working for them so they can grow into productive, healthy adults,” she said.

To that end, CASA is exercising some circular logic hosting its wreath auction fund-raiser, which benefits Light of Hope, an annual event that raises awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. From traditional to some far-out concepts, 108 locally made wreaths decorate the walls at AT&T Sports Center, giving the athletic facility a festive holiday atmosphere.

One wreath features a deck of cards and red-and-white fishing bobbers, while another is all pink with a breast cancer awareness theme. Standing out is a small, wooden hand-crafted wreath that features intricate birds. That one was donated by an inmate at the Palmer Correctional Center.

“It’s just fantastic,” Duhamel said. “It’s the most amazing donation, and came completely unsolicited. A lot of people think it’s put together like a puzzle, but it’s one piece.”

That wreath with a $200 bid has so far already shattered the auction’s previous high of about $75, Duhamel said. Those wishing to bid on the wreaths can view them and enter their silent auction bids up until 7 p.m., Nov. 30.

All the money goes toward the Light of Hope event in April, she said, and with more than 100 wreaths, this year’s auction is by far the largest to date.

The real beneficiaries are those Valley children who may not have visions of sugarplums during the holidays, she said.

“Child abuse is a fairly large problem,” Duhamel said. “And it’s growing every year here in the Valley. We have a steady increase in children in out-of-home care. As of April this year, there were about 260 children in foster care; there are more than that now.”

As an advocate for abused and neglected children, Duhamel said she used to be shocked by the horror stories some children have to tell about their situations.

“It is sad to think about, but it’s at these times of the year that the community needs to pull together to make sure these children are not forgotten,” she said. “I’m as shocked as anyone, though, when you hear about those big cases like … where children were put in boxes and severely, directly abused for years. Those are the cases that really pull at my heart. For those children, it’s even more important that there are even more community resources that are working for them so they can grow into productive, healthy adults.”

Besides supporting the Valley’s abused and neglected children, those successfully bidding on wreaths can show off some fine local workmanship. The Knik Tribal Council, for example, donated a wreath decorated with hand-beaded items. There’s a large wreath completely wrapped in ribbon and another with small, nesting birds nestled in green pine boughs.

There are also 11 mini-wreaths crafted and donated by Valley artist Tamora Harding Childs. Her work is also on display at Bagels Alaska and Providence Matanuska Health Care.

Everyone has a favorite, Duhamel said, including herself.

“Which one is my favorite? Oh my gosh, it might be this one with the blue and green, because I’m really into those colors,” she said, pointing out a wreath covered in pale blue and soft green flowers donated by the Office of Public Advocacy.

Her opinion may be a little biased, however. “In fact, I made it.”

For more information about CASA or the Light of Hope event, contact Duhamel at 775-2978.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.