Children's Champion
Celebration Gala
The Q Center, St. Charles
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, CASA Kane County hosted our 31st Annual Children’s Champion Celebration Gala at The Q Center in St. Charles. We were thrilled to welcome so many key partners and supporters from Kane County and beyond, who came together to provide a voice to children in the foster care system. It was an inspiring evening of love and community on behalf of the CASA mission, and for every person who attended or supported from afar, we are so grateful!
We believe that every individual has the power to shine light into the darkness for children in our community who have experienced abuse and neglect. Each of us, in our own way, has the extraordinary ability to Be Their Voice!
Save the date for next year! Saturday, March 7, 2026!
2025 Honorees
Children's Champion: St. Charles Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank
CASA is thrilled to recognize St. Charles Bank & Trust as the 2025 “Children’s Champion” at our 31st Annual Children’s Champion Celebration Gala!
The relationship between CASA and St. Charles Bank & Trust began in 2009 when the bank joined us at our Golf for a Child Invitational. Since then, their support has flourished, with ongoing involvement in cornerstone events such as our Gala, Golf Outing, Clays for Kids, Superheroes, Fall Conference, and Bourbon Social.
Their commitment to CASA runs deep, with Michael Trimarco becoming the bank’s first CASA board member in 2010, a role now carried forward by Michael Wozniak, both proud residents of St. Charles.
As a Wintrust Community Bank, St. Charles Bank & Trust is dedicated to strengthening the communities it serves. By understanding their customers’ needs, they provide exceptional banking services while passionately reinvesting in their local neighborhoods.
CASA is honored to celebrate their unwavering dedication to children and families in need. We look forward to spotlighting their incredible contributions at this year’s gala!
Honorary Couple: Marty & Julie Starck
Marty and Julie Starck have a deep passion for supporting those in need within their community. After long and fulfilling careers in the construction and design industries, they are now navigating retirement with a strong focus on giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others through supporting several local charities, including Northern Illinois Recovery, Lazarus House, and CASA Kane County.
The Starck family began their journey with CASA in 2016, hosting holiday gift drives with their company and lending their support to the inaugural Holiday Extravaganza and Fashion Show. Since then, their commitment to the children in our community has only deepened, with their involvement in events such as CASA’s Annual Gala, Golf Outing, and most recently, our Holiday Giving Event.
This past year, the Starcks have embarked on a new heartfelt project called Haines On Main—a place for gathering, learning, and healing. At its core, this endeavor is focused on giving back to the community and creating a space for connection and support. Marty and Julie generously donated the use of this beautiful space to host CASA Kane County’s Annual Holiday Giving Event. This cherished event brings together donations from local organizations and community groups, which are then distributed to our CASA/GAL volunteers to brighten the holidays for the children they serve.
Beyond their event support, the Starck family has made a significant financial impact through their Be the Light Foundation. Blessed with 8 children and 15 grandchildren, their personal experience in helping children through difficult situations has fueled their passionate commitment to CASA’s mission.
CASA Kane County is deeply grateful for the Starcks’ unwavering support, contagious generosity, and heartfelt dedication to improving the lives of children in need.