SIDNEY -- PlainsWest CASA held its 4th Super Hero Run recently, drawing numerous runners of all ages.

"We had 50 runners, super heroes that participated. We had a total of 70-something that registered, but 50 came out to brave the weather, the wind," said PlainsWest CASA director Krista Bruns. "It was super fun."

She said they stage the run downtown to make it something different, and following the Super Heroes theme, super heroes protect the town they live in. Part of the fun part is during the 5k and Fun Run, there were "villains" that tried to battle with the super heroes.

"A lot of our kiddos absolutely loved that, and sometimes our runners do too," she said.

Everyone who ran received a t-shirt, a medal and a water bottle with a goodie sack, provided by event sponsors.

"The main reason we do this is to raise money for CASA. CASA is Court Appointed Special Advocates. We advocate for children that are abused and are part of the court system. The funds we do raise go for anything the child needs," Bruns said. Funds can be used to help a child go swimming, to the movies and other positive activities. "We want to make sure that that foster kiddo has the funds to do that."

Next on the PlainsWest CASA calendar is a golf and bowling event planned for July -- watch for date and details -- and the Aug. 2 "National Night Out" recognizing law enforcement and first responders. The "Fairway and Frames" event will be a 9-hole four-person scramble with pin prizes, and bowling a few frames. The event will be held in memory of Theron Culwell, Bruns said. 

 The mission of PlainsWest CASA is "to advocate (speak for) the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile court system by addressing the health, safety, permanency and well being of each child."

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the legal and social service system or in inappropriate group or foster homes. For children who’ve been abused or neglected, CASA means having a home instead of feeling lost, and being a priority instead of feeling invisible, according to the PlainsWest CASA website.

For more information, see https://www.plainswestcasa.org/