As a board member of Georgia CASA and a member of Theta’s Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, Marie Bryan Hannon personifies the emotional connection between Kappa Alpha Theta alumnae and CASA/GAL programs. When she was an undergraduate in Theta’s Zeta Eta Chapter at Wofford College in South Carolina, she enjoyed participating in fundraisers and activities with the local CASA program. But it was after graduation that her involvement with the alumnae chapter’s major fundraiser sealed her commitment: “From then on, CASA had my heart.”
Thanks to Marie’s influence and leadership, Georgia CASA’s current signature fundraiser—a luncheon and fashion show called CASA on the Catwalk—has grown exponentially, raising $700,000 since its inception 15 years ago. “It is my special event,” she says. “I helped create it, I have chaired it, I’ve been honored by it and I’ve done everything in-between. Most importantly, I’ve gotten all my friends involved and now it is their special event, too.”
As an attorney as well as a dedicated volunteer, Marie believes strongly that the value of CASA/GAL programs lies with its volunteers. She also believes she has received more from her efforts on behalf of Georgia CASA than she could ever give. “Serving a CASA program has brought me so much happiness, growth, friendships and support. It has been a joy to be part of this great organization for so much of my life.”
“Serving a CASA program has brought me so much. It has been a joy to be part of this great organization for so much of my life.”