Thursday, December 16, 2010
Page 3
John Charnay Joins Court Appointed Special Advocates
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Los Angeles, known as CASA/LA, yesterday announced the selection of attorney and veteran fundraiser John Charnay as its Director of Development and Communications.
Founded in 1978, CASA/LA is part of a national organization with more than 900 chapters which recruit, screen, train and support community volunteers who act as advocates for abused, neglected and abandoned children in juvenile judicial proceedings. A spokesperson said the group has 350 volunteers serving about 500 children in Los Angeles County each year.
Charnay said he was “very attracted to the humanitarian culture of CASA/LA,” explaining:
“Everyone here, including staff and volunteers, are very passionate about helping the many vulnerable children in the foster care system. I share their passion and eagerly look forward to generating greater donor support for CASA/LA’s vital mission for this community.”
Charnay is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. He joined the State Bar in 1977 after graduating from Southwestern Law School, but the group’s website indicates he has been registered as inactive since 1988.
A CASA/LA spokesperson said Charnay has worked as a fundraiser for more than 20 years and has generated more than $150 million for leading charities in greater Los Angeles. Charnay’s responsibilities with CASA/LA will include maximizing donor support through fund raising initiatives aimed at the business and philanthropic communities, including large corporations, small businesses, foundations and high net worth individuals.
Dilys Tosteson Garcia, CASA/LA’s executive director, said the organization was “fortunate indeed to have someone of John Charnay’s experience join us in standing up for the needs of at-risk foster children.” She praised Charnay’s “inexhaustible…energy and commitment” as well as “his impressive pedigree.”
Charnay was formerly the head of Charnay and Associates, a fundraising, marketing, public relations and business development consulting firm. For nearly fifteen years before that, he served as Director of Major and Planned Gifts in the Financial Development Department of the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles.
He has also served as Director of Capital Campaign Development with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Copyright 2010, Metropolitan News Company