By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
Creating Avenues for Student Transformation (CAST) held a fundraiser called “A Night At Salem Speedway,” on Saturday, Sept. 21. Ninety people attended the event, and approximately $4,000 were raised to support the dyslexia tutoring program.
CAST is a group that provides structured, multi-sensory, explicit tutoring based upon the science of learning. The routines are particularly effective in engaging long-term memory.
This service was free last year, but the government grants that enabled financed the program were discontinued post-Covid. CAST is now relying on local contributions to support the program’s expenses. Funds needed are approximately $40,000.
This year, CAST has helped over 140 students. Reading skills were up +21%, Spelling up+18% and Math Skills up +35%.
Those attending enjoyed a catered dinner and a great view for racing from the comfort of the air-conditioned tower overlooking the grandstands.
One of the speakers was Micah Gilliam, who recently joined as CAST as their Dyslexia Resource Center Coordinator. She spoked about the success of the group. Gillam is also a second grade teacher at East Washington School Corporation.
Cassie Corp, CAST Executive Director, said, “I’m so grateful that our local community is dedicated to investing in our kids.”
Corp also sold tickets for the organization’s other fundraiser, “The Most Magical Raffle on Earth.” The raffle features a grand prize of $2000 in Disney gift cards; a second prize of local gift cards; and third prize of four “Big Splash” tickets in French Lick. The winning tickets will be drawn on Monday, Sept. 30, at the CAST office.
CAST staff thanked those who helped sponsor the evening’s event. The Banner Sponsor was Jeans’ Extrusions, Inc.
Donations can be sent to CAST, 1707 N. Shelby St. #107, Salem, IN 47167. The website is www.castwashco.org/ . Contributions are tax deductible.
Jamie Richardson was the lucky winner of a door prize provided by Elliott Cox of Driving For Dyslexia.
Dyslexia Resource Center Coordinator Micah Gilliam welcomed guests.
CAST board member Allison Ezzell spoke with guests--U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin and family and Jerry Curry, SalemLeader.com staff writer.