Carroll County Residents Run for Charity in Under Armour Running Festival

Carroll County will be represented in Baltimore this weekend as people walk, jog and run to support charities, including Maryland CASA.

The Maryland CASA Association is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that victims of child abuse and neglect grow up in safe, permanent homes.

There are 15 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs in Maryland that provide trained volunteer advocates to speak up for the best interests of children. For more information, visit www.marylandcasa.org. 

Jen Fuss coordinates the Frederick and Carroll County Court Apppointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs. Her mother-in-law Elizabeth Fuss said she is participating on the CASA race team to support Jen.

"I am walking to honor my daughter-in-law Jen, a wonderful compassionate, young woman," Elizabeth said. "At 63, I love to walk but I don't run."

Elizabeth said she volunteered at the CASA booth at last year's Baltimore marathon.This year she said she is walking with Jen.

Jennifer Fuss has been with the Frederick County CASA program (operated by the Mental Health Association of Frederick County) for several years and just took over responsibility for the Carroll County program, called “Voices for Children of Carroll County”.

Eldersburg resident Jennifer Carson is the director of Children’s Services for the CASA of Montgomery County. Carson has been with the Montgomery County CASA for more than 12 years.

She said that she watched last year's race on tv from her hospital room after giving birth to her third son.

“My youngest child has Down syndrome, so I've been involved in runs/walks for CASA and for Special Olympics," Carson said. "I'd consider myself to be a want-to-be runner. I like the thought of it a lot better than actually doing it, but I always feel great after a good run."

Carson said she is enthusiastic about this year's event and has roped in most her family and friends to participate.

"I've done what I could to get others to participate to help ensure that Team CASA had at least 100 runners...some of my friends and family may never speak to me again...but, it's for the children,” Carson said.

This will be the child advocacy organization’s third year participating in the Baltimore running event. Runners will have an opportunity to walk or run in the marathon, half marathon, 5k or team relay to raise funds and awareness about Maryland CASA’s efforts on behalf of victims of child abuse and neglect.

The team was created in 2009 with 96 runners who raised more than $20,000. Team CASA grew to 116 runners in 2010 and raised over $21,000. This year’s team boasts 180 members and hopes to raise $25,000. Visit www.GoTeamCASA.org for more information.