For 31 years, Dallas CASA has turned imagination into advocacy through its annual Parade of Playhouses at NorthPark Center. The elaborate locally-built children’s playhouses help raise awareness and support for kids in foster care, and children victims of abuse and neglect.
The event, hosted by Dallas CASA, features eight custom-built playhouses designed and donated by local builders, architects, and high school students. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20, with winners announced June 7.
“Dallas CASA trains and supervises community volunteers who are appointed by child welfare court judges to look after the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect,” Kathleen LaValle CEO of Dallas CASA said. “We want to protect children, restore childhood, and make sure every child has an opportunity to fulfill their potential.”
Dilbeck's Art Studio designed by two HP High School MAPS studentsDallas CASA
This year’s lineup includes themed playhouses ranging from storytelling cottages to a Hawaiian-inspired beach house. One standout, “Dilbeck’s Art Studio,” was designed by Highland Park High School MAPS students in the MAPS environmental architecture program and modeled after a historic Dilbeck home.
“They fashioned it after a Dilbeck home, so an actual historical home, that this art studio is just complete with everything imagination and creativity needs,” LaValle said.
Another crowd favorite is “Pegasus Petroleum,” designed by Kimley Horn and Swinerton Construction, featuring a glowing Pegasus sign and antique gas pumps inspired by Dallas history.
Pegasus PetroleumDallas CASA
LaValle said designers are given full creative freedom each year, resulting in unique concepts that encourage imaginative play for children.
Visitors can purchase raffle tickets in person at NorthPark Center through on-site volunteers or by scanning QR codes displayed near the exhibits. Tickets are also available online through Dallas CASA’s website.
The event not only raises money for Dallas CASA programs but also shines a spotlight on the organization’s volunteer advocacy efforts.
“There is nothing we do all year long that brings greater awareness of the opportunity to become a Dallas CASA volunteer advocate,” LaValle said.
In addition to winning a playhouse, raffle participants can also enter for a chance to win a $1,000 NorthPark Center gift card.
Dallas CASA also offers several volunteer opportunities, including becoming a court-appointed child advocate or joining one of its auxiliary groups, such as the Young Professionals or Children’s Council.
“We want people to understand how important it is to have one constant individual focused on a child’s needs,” LaValle said. “That’s the real importance of this event.”
