Inga Sanders-Marcereau first learned about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) seventeen years ago as an attorney specializing in children’s rights. She had a case involving a youth in foster care with a CASA who, as Inga puts it, “ferociously advocated for her youth.” Inga thought, “Wow, What is this organization?” and dove into learning more about CASA.

A friend introduced her to a member of the CASA board of directors, and Inga was soon joining the CASA board herself where she served for seven years. During that time, she brought tremendous experience as an attorney who specializes in cases dealing with injuries to children ranging from sexual assault to racial harassment and bullying cases. 

Inga eventually decided to take a step back from her role on the board shortly before delivering her twins. However, once her children started school, she jumped back into volunteering with CASA in a role with the Friends of CASA (FOCASA) auxiliary group. She says, “I had attended the FOCASA holiday luncheons, but wasn’t really aware of all that FOCASA did. What an amazing group of individuals! They’re not just there to raise money, but they’re really there to be voices in the community about what CASA does. They make important introductions throughout the community and increase awareness of the plight of kids in foster care.”

Left, Inga Sanders-Marcereau on stage at the 2024 Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon. Right, Inga Sanders-Marcereau & Dana Strader at the 2023 Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon.

According to Inga, the additional benefit to joining FOCASA was the opportunity to meet other women in the community. “As a mother, it provided a social opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who understand there is a need and want to do something about it. So whether it’s volunteering or social functions, there is still the undertow of doing something good for children who need it.” 

In 2024, Inga was elected president of FOCASA where she will serve a two-year term. This role also includes being seated once again on the CASA Board. Inga has several objectives during her term as FOCASA president which include expanding and diversifying the membership and increasing a sense of belonging amongst the members. 

She says, “I want to make FOCASA more powerful by growing membership. We offer different tiers of membership that make it very affordable to join. You can contribute time, talent or treasure. If we can expand our membership and help more people in Orange County know about FOCASA, we will be able to reach more individuals who can donate and potentially become advocates. I want people to understand the scope of activities beyond the holiday luncheon that FOCASA offers.” 

Board members at the Fashion Island Neiman Marcus Shopping event in support of CASA OC. (L) Inga Sanders-Marcereau, Lindsey J. Poker, Sarah Minakary, Anar Patel, and Karen Jordan.

The Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon is a much-anticipated event that is the second highest netting luncheon fundraiser in Orange County. Highlights include a runway fashion showcase, luxury silent auction and beautifully decorated “Starfish” holiday trees. The trees display hand-crafted Starfish Wish ornaments which feature a wish from a CASA youth that participants can fund. Inga says of the event, “Every year it is a big production but the CASA mission messaging is always there. While we’re having a great time, we’re there to support children who need it.”

FOCASA members stay busy throughout the year beyond the holiday luncheon with volunteer opportunities like cookie decorating, packing back-to-school backpacks and assembling Easter baskets for youth. There are also many social events for members like book clubs, mixers and retail events featuring champagne and light bites. FOCASA members have the opportunity to participate in court tours which Inga says, “affords them an opportunity to really see what it’s like first hand for these children.” Inga says, “Those opportunities to attend events with CASA youth really personalizes the work and brings it home when you realize these kids are the same age as your own child, niece, nephew or grandchild.” 

CASA OC Board of Directors at the 2025 CASA Celebration Gala.

Inga also believes it important to expand and diversify the geographic communities FOCASA reaches. “FOCASA events have often been centered around Newport Beach but there’s so many communities and resources we’re not diving into because we haven’t done that outreach. Our book club now rotates between north county and south county to better serve a broader population. We’re trying to create avenues for people who live in different areas to feel like they belong.”

Another way Inga is making sure her members all feel a sense of belonging is by ensuring board members wear a nametag and greet new members at events. She says, “When people are first introduced to the group, I want to be sure people don’t feel like it’s a clique. We’ve challenged our board members to take time to introduce themself to a new member, find out why they’re there, and introduce them to someone else who may have something in common with them. People are looking for community and the stronger our communities are, the more impact we can make.”

Inga gives credit to members of her board. “Christina Markl, our New Members Director, has been doing a great job. As soon as someone shows interest, we connect them with other members. Joanna Smith, our Communications Director is doing a really nice job spotlighting new members. Although our members aren’t in it for the recognition, it’s nice to feel seen.” 

CASA OC Board Members, Inga Sanders-Marcereau, Lindsey Poker, CASA CEO Regan Dean Phillips, and Sarah Minakary at the 2025 Friends of CASA Spring Mixer.

Inga says, “FOCASA members are ambassadors for CASA. We want our members to be well informed so they can speak to the community about the work CASA volunteers do and the impact they have. This is the 30th Anniversary of FOCASA and we have amazing plans for this year’s Holiday Luncheon which will be chaired by Liz deSousa and Marjie Zethraus Mros. We want to recognize our past and all the amazing individuals who have brought us to where we are today. We are hoping to make an even bigger impact with funds we raise.”

CASA CEO Regan Dean Phillips said, “We are so lucky to have Inga serve as both President of FOCASA and as a valued member of our CASA Board. She brings powerful insight as an attorney who specializes in children’s rights, she has an enormous heart for the youth we serve, and is deeply committed to welcoming everyone who supports our mission as a member of FOCASA.”

According to Inga, “We’re very blessed here in Orange County. We look around and see an abundance of wealth, yet there are children in our own backyard who are suffering and that should strike home to all of us. If we are concerned about homelessness or crime in our communities, we must start where the problems can start. If we change these children’s trajectory, then we can help mitigate potential problems down the road. The numbers don’t lie, there’s a profound difference between a child who has a CASA and one who doesn’t.”

Inga closes by saying, “We want everyone to feel welcome and know there are ways to get involved, no matter how busy you are. Maybe now isn’t the right moment to become a CASA, but you can still help by joining FOCASA. It’s a meaningful way to support the mission — and who knows, it might lead to something more when the time is right.”

To learn more about joining FOCASA, email focasamembership@casaoc.org.