People had the opportunity last week to get a good meal, help a nonprofit organization and learn how a group of volunteers are helping the children of Sanders County.

Between 70-80 people attended the Sixth Annual Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Chili Feed at St. James Catholic Church, raising $1,550 at the Thursday fundraiser. "It was way more than we expected and we raised a lot of money for a good cause," said Colleen McCarthy, the newest board member of the CASA, which covers both Sanders and Lake Counties. CASA is staffed with volunteers that act as advocates for children involved in cases of abuse or neglecte and report their findings to a judge, who makes decisions in the best interest of the children. There are six advocates in Sanders County – Linda Wilson of Plains, Becky Azure of Trout Creek, Colleen Knutson and Jackie Lowry of Thompson Falls, and Marissa Ilac of Hot Springs.

The money raised last week goes toward paying for the advocates 30-day initial training, subsequent training, and to help defray some of their travel costs, according to McCarthy. "They have to have a real good understanding of their responsibilities with the organization and to confidentiality," she said. "These folks speak for children that can't speak for themselves. They are real unsung heroes and an army of kindness," said McCarthy, one of four members on the Sanders County CASA board, which also includes Kathy Gregg, Steve Seilhymer, and Polly Cavill, the first advocate in Sanders County.

The CASA program began in Lake County 14 years ago and in Sanders County in 2014 by Betty Boehler and Cavill. Cavill is originally from Plains and although she lives in Washington, she continues to serve as a board member in Sanders County. The program executive director is Ann Marie McNeil of Polson. The CASA program receives its money from state and private grants, but relies on fundraisers. In Sanders County, the group has three fundraisers a year, which includes a booth at the fair and an ice cream social in the summer.

McCarthy said the chili feed isn't just to raise money; it's a chance to educate people about CASA and what it does for the county.

Last year, the advocates handled seven cases that involved 15 children from six months old to 17 years old. Linda Wilson said cases have ranged from 90 days to four years. She added that 90 percent of the cases of abused children involve drugs. "The things we see are terrible, but it's important and I feel privileged to do it," said Wilson. "We deal with children one on one and we uncover a lot of information that wouldn't be found," added Wilson, who's been an advocate for the last four years and emphasizes that people who witness child abuse need to report it to officials.

"We see horrible, horrible scenarios. It's not easy, but the children need us to speak for them," said Azure, who's also been with the program four years. The information the advocates uncover goes directly to the judge, who makes the final decision.

The chili feed went for about two and a half hours. Leonard Larson made eight gallons of his secret recipe, as he has done for four years. He also won the 50/50 drawing of $78 and gave half back to CASA. Steve Seilhymer spent about four hours making the cornbread for the chili feed and a group of women, called "Betty Boehler's Bakers" made 13 pies for the event. Brett Barber of Paradise volunteered his musical talents to entertain during the fundraiser and Randy Garrison, owner of The Printery, donated posters.