Foster Youth Face Funding Crisis: CASA/LA’s Gala Steps Up to Save the Day

Los Angeles’ foster youth are staring down a crisis, and CASA/LA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Los Angeles) is sounding the alarm. Federal funding cuts have axed all AmeriCorps grants, slashing the nonprofit’s budget and threatening its mission to support kids in the county’s overwhelmed child welfare and juvenile justice systems. With over 35,000 children in LA’s foster care system, CASA/LA’s work — pairing trained advocates with youth to navigate courtrooms and life’s challenges — is more critical than ever. Now, the org’s calling on the community to rally, as the loss of funds hits not just them but similar groups nationwide.

Enter CASA/LA’s 13th annual Reimagine Gala, set for Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Millennium Biltmore in Downtown LA. Hosted by actress and advocate Taylor Polidore Williams ("Snowfall," "Beauty in Black"), this star-studded bash is a lifeline, raising vital funds to keep advocacy alive for foster youth. Expect a live auction, soul-stirring performances by the YOLA at HOLA String Orchestra, and a nod to LA leaders who've gone all-in for underserved kids. Honorees include Assemblyman Isaac G. Bryan, youth advocate Carol Biondi, and the late ABC executive Stephanie Leifer, whose legacy still looms large.

The gala’s guest list sparkles with names like Reign Edwards ("The Wilds"), Richard Lawson ("Beauty in Black"), Loren Lott ("The Young and the Restless"), Terayle Hill ("Step Up: High Water"), Christian Robinson ("Sinners"), Shannon Wallace ("Beauty in Black"), and philanthropist Edythe Broad. Past honorees, including Kathy Hilton and Mario Lopez, set the bar high for impact.

Our own Amy chatted with CASA/LA CEO Charity Chandler Cole, who stressed the gala’s urgency. These cuts hurt, but our kids need us more than ever. Listen to that interview below.

Want to join the fight? Grab tickets at www.CASALA.org/gala and help rewrite futures.