On Friday, July 24th, CASA of Los Angeles gathered at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court for “Thanks a Brunch,” a special celebration dedicated to honoring the extraordinary dedication of our community. Over 50 attendees—including dedicated CASA volunteers, board members, and staff—came together to reflect on our collective impact and celebrate this year’s exceptional award honorees.
The morning featured heartfelt remarks from CASA LA staff and judicial leadership, recognizing advocates who embody the depth, compassion, and persistence at the heart of CASA’s mission.
40 Years of Advocacy: Honoring Renne Bilson
CASA LA longtime staff member Lauri Halderman presented the 40 Years of Advocacy Award to Renne, celebrating four decades of transformative service to children and families in Los Angeles County.
Reflecting on how much the world has evolved over the past four decades, Halderman shared:
“Over the last 40 years, technology has transformed the world around us. Maps became apps, phone books became search engines, and artificial intelligence was born. Through all of that change, the heart of CASA’s mission has remained simple: a dedicated adult showing up for a child. For four decades, Renne, you have brought consistency, commitment, compassion, and unwavering advocacy to children and families in ways no technology ever could.”
Halderman also shared a special tribute sent in by retired LA Superior Court Judge Mike Nash, who wrote:
“Congratulations Renne on reaching your 40th anniversary as a CASA. So many lives are better because of your efforts in providing a helpful voice for young people in the foster system… I know current and former foster youth who are happy because of what you did for them. Your example has inspired many other volunteers over the years, resulting in even more young people benefiting from the CASA program.”
CASA of the Year: Debbie Dullabaun
CASA LA Advocate Supervisor Ekaterina Danton presented the CASA of the Year Award to Debbie Dullabaun, highlighting her fierce persistence and trauma-informed, strengths-based advocacy.
Danton recalled standing alongside Debbie through complex multidisciplinary meetings across DCFS, DMH, LACOE, probation, and courts:
“While many other team members focused on the challenges, Debbie always focused on the youth’s strengths. She reminded everyone that this young woman was earning good grades, working part-time, and continuing to make progress despite spending time in juvenile hall and managing significant mental health challenges.”
Danton emphasized that Debbie’s care extends to every detail of a young person’s dignity:
“What makes Debbie exceptional is that her advocacy doesn’t end when the meetings are over. She spent countless hours coordinating with agencies and the out-of-state placement to make sure this young woman had the things many of us take for granted—her hair care products, access to her hard-earned paychecks from her job at the Juvenile Hall, and the support she needed during every transition. Debbie knows that dignity is found in the little things, and those little things make a big difference.”
Rookie of the Year: Tiffany Rogers
Ekaterina Danton also presented the Rookie of the Year Award to Tiffany Rogers, recognizing the remarkable impact she has made in her very first year as an advocate.
Danton praised Tiffany’s ability to tackle systemic barriers while forming genuine connections with youth:
“She recognizes the barriers created by poverty, trauma, and systemic inequities, yet she never lets those barriers define a young person’s future. Instead, she meets each challenge with compassion, practical problem-solving, and an unwavering belief in her youth’s potential.”
Highlighting Tiffany’s extraordinary work finding shelter for her youth when he experienced homelessness, Danton shared a quote from the youth’s attorney, who also nominated Tiffany for the award:
“I have never seen a CASA—or anyone else, really—more efficiently and effectively support a youth in finding appropriate supportive housing, health care, mental health supports than Ms. Rogers, who seemingly accomplished the work of a team of people… She was and is a dream come true. I sure wish that we could duplicate her, but she’s one of a kind.”
Honoring Our CASA Community
Events like “Thanks a Brunch” serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when dedicated individuals show up for Los Angeles youth. We extend our deepest gratitude to our honorees, our board members, court partners, and every CASA volunteer who continues to champion the voices of children in foster care.
Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Learn more here.