The Arizona Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) honored Snowflake volunteer Ray Walker, with the 2008 CASA of the Year Award. This statewide award recognizes the outstanding dedication and commitment of a volunteer for their advocacy efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Walker was honored at a recognition event hosted by the Navajo County CASA program Saturday, April 26th, where he received a hand-sculpted stone award from Arizona CASA & a certificate of honor from Governor Napolitano. Navajo County Judge Thomas L. Wing & Judge Michala Ruechel attended the ceremony to pay tribute to Walker.
Walker has volunteered with CASA for 11 years. In over a decade of service, he has served 34 children. In January of 2008, Walker attended the adoption hearing for a child that he has been advocating for since 1999. He remains committed to the children he serves, even through his own personal battles with health.
In addition to his work as a child advocate, Walker serves on an Arizona Foster Care Review Board and fundraises for the Navajo County Friends of CASA, an auxiliary non-profit.