From left, 126th District Court Judge and Westbanker Darlene Byrne with husband Dan Byrne and their daughter, Erin Echols

By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

The perennially popular 19th annual CASAblanca Gala was recently held at the Four Seasons Hotel where Court Appointed Special Advocates of Travis County gave a special tribute to Westbanker Darlene Byrne, 126th District Court judge.

More than 500 black-tie attendees came to celebrate her and support a sold-out soiree.

The philanthropic partygoers enjoyed a cocktail reception, played casino games and listened to Duane Miller on the piano. A delicious dinner featured a duo entrée of short rib and crab cake with desserts of chocolate mousse and crème brulee. The silent auction showcased items from the Westbank’s Alyson Jon Interiors, Barton Creek Resort and Kendra Scott jewelry.

Auctioneer Gayle Stallings led the live auction. CASA volunteers acted as bid spotters. The highest priced packages were a South Sea and Black Tahitian pearl necklace, Paul McCartney autographed and framed electric guitar donated by Charles Jennemann and Westbankers Rosemary and Russell Douglass and a one-week vacation from among 101 countries with RCI Timeshares given by Westbankers Colleen and Rick Gardner.

Westbanker and board president Lee Potts began the program. Honorary chair and retired Texas Supreme Court Justice Harriett O’Neill gave a video introduction. Westbanker and board member David Rubin emceed and spoke of CASA’s history and his volunteer story. Also, a birthday cake presentation, along with spontaneous singing, was made to surprise Jerry Conway, a Westbanker and Austin Sonic underwriter,.

The evening’s highlight was honoring Byrne for her leadership in establishing Travis County’s child protection courts as a “Model Court,” one of only 33 courts in the nation so-designated and the sole one in Texas. Moreover, she has received the Judge of the Year Award from Texas CASA, recognizing her efforts in foster care.

“We were glad to share the success stories of Judge Byrne, our CASA children, and their volunteers,” said Laura Wolf, CASA of Travis County executive director. “The spirit of compassion and generosity that filled the ballroom tonight overwhelmed us.”

Raising a record-breaking $325,000, CASA of Travis County is the only organization appointed by judges to be guardians ad litem in child protective services cases. CASA provides advocates to speak in court, schools, and the community for abused or neglected children. Nearly 500 volunteers serve approximately 1,300 youth annually to assist them in obtaining safe, loving and permanent homes. www.casatravis.org.

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