With luck, a Jefferson City fundraiser and awareness-raiser will be as well-received as its predecessor.
Capital City Court Appointed Special Advocates is to present its second event featuring Brandon McMillan, host of the Emmy-winning CBS show "Lucky Dog."
McMillan traveled from his California home to Jefferson City last fall to participate in an evening that revolved around one of his trainees - Olive, a Cole County courtroom therapy dog. The tiny poodle-mix, who may or may not be 6 years old - the rescue dog's age remains a mystery - serves as a CASA for Cole County Court.
She's become somewhat of a celebrity on her own.
Olive and her handler - CASA volunteer Lisa Bax - have worked with more than 100 children since McMillan trained the poodle about three years ago.
CASA is a volunteer-powered network of people from all walks of life who believe society has a fundamental obligation to make sure children thrive, are treated with dignity and are kept safe, according to the organization's website. Its volunteers, appointed by judges, watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. They try to make certain the children don't get lost in overburdened legal and social service systems or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. The volunteers remain on their clients' cases until the children are placed in safe and permanent homes.
"We're so grateful that 'Lucky Dog' is coming to Jefferson City to raise awareness about CASA and the important work we're doing in Cole County," said Mary Winter, Capital City CASA board president.
The organization has about 65 volunteers, but there are more than 100 children who require their services. The nonprofit's goal is to have one volunteer per child. Volunteers are the child's voice in courtrooms, Winter said.
Last year's event was held in November and featured a question-and-answer period in which about 300 attendees had opportunities to ask McMillan a variety of questions about Olive, life in California during wildfires and how best to overcome their own pets' challenges.
This year, Bax said, the event will have a different feel.
That's because McMillan will be joined by a film crew, who will record a segment for the television program.
"This is going to be a little more of an interesting event," Bax said. "They will be giving national recognition to what Olive does."
Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem has signed a special order that allows Olive to serve any child. The poodle can go into a child's foster home if the foster parents allow it. She may go to a clinic or school, so long as administrators of the institutions allow.
Olive and Bax are under the ethical scrutiny of CASA. The order confirms Olive and Bax are qualified to be involved with the children and the court.
Capital City CASA has helped McMillan to select several other Jefferson City canines he will bring on stage during "Brandon McMillan Live."
The event is to begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 22 at Capital Bluffs Event Center, at Turkey Creek Golf Center, 1616 Oil Well Road.
Tickets may be purchased at capitalcitycasa.org/brandonmcmillanlive.
VIP seating is $50. General admission is $20. General admission for children ages 12 and younger is $10.
Tickets will also be available at three physical locations, which have not yet been determined.
"We really want people to come and enjoy hearing Brandon speak," Winter said. "They'll witness how he actually works with dogs. It's kind of an exciting thing for Jefferson City."