The CASA Connection
Learn more about what’s going on at CASA Project Worcester County, in our Central MA communities, and with our partners by reading our monthly blog! Have a topic you’d like us to write about or want to be considered for a featured spot? Email communications@thecasaproject.org!
Check out our Volunteer Spotlight blog features to learn more about our incredible team of CASA volunteers, their life-changing impacts, and how you can join our team of advocates!
Building Stronger Communities Through Purpose and Partnership
Since 2023, I’ve worked at Cinch I.T. helping small-to-medium businesses with their IT and cybersecurity needs. Most of the businesses I work with cannot afford to hire a full IT department or invest in the necessary cybersecurity solutions to properly protect their business. These same businesses are the target of roughly 80% of cyber attacks in the US. Cinch I.T.’s unlimited support model provides the opportunity for these businesses to consolidate cybersecurity solutions and staff at an affordable monthly rate. Cinch I.T. is also highly dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and community-based initiatives. The opportunity to connect the work I do with something that creates life-changing and lasting positive impacts is deeply meaningful.
Nonprofit organizations are especially significant to me. I think this is because I have an immediate family member who battled several forms of cancer over the years. Seeing this first-hand has opened my eyes to how important it is to help our family and friends in need. I am extremely impressed with how strong this person was going through treatment, and how hard she is fighting for a normal life post-treatment. This is one example of someone who needed support when they were dealt a bad hand. Fortunately, this person has a strong support system from friends and family members. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the world that don’t have that same support.
Shortly after starting at Cinch I.T. (Cinch), I met Julie Bowditch (Executive Director of CASA Project Worcester County (CASA)) at a networking event. Our immediate conversations were about their IT and cybersecurity needs. Of course, I felt strongly that Cinch could offer the level of support that the CASA team was looking for in a partner. Since working with their team, I am continuously impressed with the level of impact they have on the community. They are serving vulnerable youth on a path towards a more permanent home. These children NEED support from organizations like CASA. Many of these children go through life without a strong support system, and CASA encourages them to dream big and supports their journey to bright futures.
For the organizations that Cinch I.T. supports, it’s important that we help with their IT and cybersecurity needs so they can focus on their unique missions. Over time, I started to think “What if I could do more to help some of these organizations?”. I started thinking creatively about ways I could get involved in CASA’s mission and how I could incorporate other passions of mine into these opportunities. As a local musician, I began brainstorming a music-themed fundraising event. I love going to concerts, and especially music festivals. Back in 2009, I recall having a great time at a music festival in Chicago seeing bands like “The Killers” and “Kings of Leon.” An idea was starting to form…
I reached out to Julie with a proposition.
Keith: What if we created a fundraising event that was a mini music festival and called it “CASA Palooza”?
Julie: I love this idea! We’re doing it!
Now if you know Julie at all, when she says we’re doing something that means it’s happening!
We are now entering our third year of CASA Palooza, which is a family-friendly music festival featuring local bands and musicians on multiple stages. The event is a perfect opportunity to get family and friends together for a day of music, games, food, drinks, raffles, and fun, all while supporting a truly worthy cause. As the event grows, new opportunities are developing, such as a showcase of local artists and vendors called “The Community Collective”. Now we might not necessarily see bands like “The Killers” there, but I can promise the local musicians that perform are extremely talented, and the uniqueness of highlighting local talent while supporting a local organization is powerful. We are super appreciative of the bands, volunteers, guests, and vendors that show up to this event and support CASA’s mission every year.
CASA Palooza is one of many fundraising events taking place in Worcester County every year. What I think makes this event special is that it demonstrates how one small idea can turn into an annual event that can create lasting positive impact in our community. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, creating a fundraising event, or simply being an event attendee, we all can make a significant impact on the unique missions of nonprofits in our area. For CASA Project Worcester County, that’s helping vulnerable children on their path toward a permanent home. By getting involved in nonprofits like this, there is a sense of fulfillment knowing you are helping others in need. It is hard to explain until you do it, but I strongly encourage everyone to give it a try so you can see what I mean.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Keith Pettit is an Account Manager at Cinch I.T. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in account management and sales within the technology sector. Outside of work, Keith is an avid musician who plays bass and guitar in the band Absynth Minded, sparking his interest in music-centric ways to give back. As the co-founder of CASA Palooza, Keith coordinates bands, logistics, partners, and more working alongside the team at CASA to create a welcome atmosphere to uplift local musicians and bands while supporting a worthy cause.
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