~ Past Events (2000) ~

Monterey Park Convelescent Home (Service)
December 16, 2000

On the morning of Saturday, December 16th, a group of bright-eyed CASA volunteers met up at the Monterey Park Convalescent Home to spread the holiday cheer to the elderly residents. During the first half of the event, each group member paired off with an elderly resident and led him or her in doing their routine stretches and warm-ups. The multilingual talents of the group was essential in communicating with them during the exercise. We then launched into several renditions of classic Christmas carols as well as newer favorites like Jingle Bell Rock. The group was greatly encouraged by the thundering applause of the audience and may be taking the show on the road next year!

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Holiday Meal in Pasadena (Service)
November 23, 2000

Over 4,000 homeless individuals and low-income families showed up at Central Park in Pasadena to attend the Annual Holiday Dinner held by the Union Station Foundation of Pasadena. The event also drew hundreds of volunteers. The biggest group in attendance was over 30 CASA members eager to spread a warm smile and dole out huge servings of a delicious Thanksgiving feast. We decorated the park with welcome banners and pretty table settings to enhance the outdoor dining experience. We also brought food to seniors and disabled individuals who could not participate in the serving lines. All in all, everyone had a memorable Thanksgiving day to be thankful about.

After a long morning of serving food, we were hungry ourselves. The group of happy but exhausted CASA members gathered at Regent Cafe to fill their empty bellies. New and old members alike mingled and discovered their shared interests.

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Knott's Scary Farm (Social)
Oct. 24, 2000

Just for fun, CASA members gathered for a night of ghouls and goblins at Knott's Scary Farm. The courageous souls ventured through dark foggy mazes and braved the teeming masses of teenyboppers. Van and Janine waited over an hour to take the terrifying free fall plunge, "Supreme Scream," while more timid CASA members played games and patiently waited.

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Dinner and Dancing (Social)
August 19, 2000

About 15 CASA members gathered at Buca Di Beppo (a pretty cool Italian restaurant) in Pasadena to celebrate CASA's second birthday. There was a lot of good food (the tiramisu was amazing!) and plenty of wine. Afterwards, we continued the party by heading over to the Muse for drinks and dancing. It was a great night and definitely something we need to do more often!

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Blythe Street Health Fair (Service)
July 2, 2000

CASA members were fortunate enough to be a part of Tzu-Chi's efforts to provide basic physical exams, dental services, hair cuts, tattoo removal, and mammograms for the residents of Panorama City (San Fernando Valley). Over 100 volunteers from across the nation convened at Blythe Street to lend a helping hand. The vent was unique in that it provided an opportunity for us to interact with the Latino community. Hopefully, we can build on the ties and friendships made that day for future CASA events.

Beach Bash (Social)
June 24, 2000

Frank and John showed up bright and early to claim a spot amongst the volleyball courts lining Hermosa Beach. Both guys did their best Peter Horton and C. Thomas Howell impressions from "Sideout" by claiming victory on court #1. Homebrewed ice tea and sandwiches were shared by all. The highlight of the day came when the group used their bodies to spell out CASA along the boardwalk while on their roller blades.

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