📚🍎 Back to School, Back to Hope

August marks the beginning of a new school year—a season filled with fresh starts, new opportunities, and hope for what’s ahead.

At CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, we know that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. As students head back to the classroom, we hope this school year is one of confidence, kindness, and bright possibilities for every child.

 CASA advocates help children find stability, encouragement, and hope during the school year.  You can make a difference in a child’s life.

From all of us at CASA, we wish every student, teacher, school staff member, and family a safe, successful, and inspiring school year! 📖✏️

#BackToSchool #BackToHope #CASATNH #EveryChildDeservesHope #NewSchoolYear

Welcome to the Board

Please join us in welcoming Britt Aurty &  Kay Overby to the

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland Board of Directors!

Kay holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and has dedicated her career to serving children and families. Her experience includes working with the Tennessee Department of Human Services, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, training Foster Care Review Boards across Tennessee, reviewing foster care case files, and serving as a TEIS and TIPS counselor.

With a lifetime of advocacy and service, Kay brings invaluable knowledge and compassion to our mission. We are excited to have her on the CASA Board and look forward to the impact she’ll make.

Welcome, Kay! 💙

#CASATNH #BoardMember #Welcome #AdvocateForChildren

 

 

Britt is the Vice President of Manufacturing Quality for DENSO North America and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience. A Maryville resident, he has also served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and the Maryville City Schools Foundation.
Britt and his wife, Lisa, enjoy family life and raising Angus cattle on their East Tennessee farm.
We’re grateful to have Britt’s leadership and heart for our community as we continue advocating for children. Welcome, Britt! 💙

  BGT Volunteers Needed! 🎭

Help us make the debut of Blount’s Got Talent a success! We’re looking for volunteers to assist with this exciting fundraiser benefiting CASA of the TN Heartland.

📅 Saturday, August 29
📍 Capitol Theatre | Maryville

Sign up today and be part of an unforgettable evening while making a difference for local children.

👉 https://www.justserve.org/projects/3f02ee3c-3c67-4258-8c0d-4d37ffc98e51/blounts-got-talent-event-volunteer?shiftId=5946fa76-9eb0-4a23-ab74-5e712d113276

Please share with anyone who loves giving back to the community!

BGT Tickets now available!

Have You Got Your Tickets Yet? 🎟️
The countdown is on for the debut of Blount’s Got Talent, and you won’t want to miss this incredible evening of local talent, community spirit, and support for CASA of the Tennessee Heartland!
✨ Cheer on talented performers.
🏆 Watch the competition unfold.
💙 Help make a difference for children we serve.
Every ticket purchased helps CASA continue advocating for children who need a voice.
🎟️ Get your tickets today before they’re gone!

Meet the Judges!

The performers are ready, the stage is set, and now it’s time to meet the

three community leaders who will have the tough job of

deciding who will be crowned the first-ever Blount’s Got Talent champion!

🎤 Wendy Wand

A familiar name in the Blount County community, Wendy Wand brings years of nonprofit leadership and community involvement to the judges’ table. With more than two decades of nonprofit experience, Wendy has dedicated her career to serving others and strengthening the community. Her involvement with organizations including United Way of Blount County, Leadership Blount, and Ecumenical Action Council have given her a unique perspective on the talent that makes our community special.

We’re excited to have Wendy bring her experience, community spirit, and discerning eye to the competition!

🎤 Nichole Mccord

A familiar face in the Blount County community, Nichole brings a passion for community service, a love for local talent, and an eye for the little things that make a performance stand out from the crowd!

As she watches this year’s incredible performers, Nichole will be looking for talent, creativity, confidence, stage presence, and that special WOW factor that leaves an impression!

We’re excited to welcome Nichole McCord to this year’s judging panel!

We can’t wait to see what Nichole thinks and we know she’s ready to bring her judging game!

🎤 Bruce Applegate

Bruce Applegate brings his experience as a respected community leader and his perspective from serving the City of Alcoa as City Manager. With a background in local government and public service, Bruce knows the importance of community, connection, and bringing people together.

We’re excited to have Bruce step into the judges’ seat and see Blount County’s incredible talent from a whole new perspective!

With three experienced community members at the judges’ table, the competition is sure to be exciting. Who will impress the judges? Who will earn the highest scores? And who will become the first-ever Blount’s Got Talent Champion, taking home the trophy and $500 cash prize?

You’ll have to join us on August 29 at the Capitol Theatre to find out!

📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026

⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM

📍 Capitol Theatre 127 W. Broadway Avenue Maryville, TN 37801

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now for $50 each!

Reserve your seat today to enjoy an unforgettable evening of live entertainment, community spirit, and friendly competition.