For the past several years, Frenship High School’s construction classes have been partnering with CASA of the South Plains as a community service project. CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, are community members who ensure each foster child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while working to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.
For almost 20 years CASA has hosted its Casas for CASA playhouse raffle fundraiser where different organizations donate or built playhouses to raffle off. Since 2022, Frenship has participated, allowing the construction students to show off the real-world skills they’re learning in class.
For Tracy Pope, Frenship High School Construction teacher, this project holds a special place in his heart. Not only are his students getting to use their skills to give back to the community, but his family is also very familiar with CASA.
“My wife and I housed foster children,” he said. “I understand the program and believe deeply in this cause.”
This year, Frenship students upped their game. They built an interactive fort-style playhouse with a tube slide, rock climbing wall, and an enclosed clubhouse. Pope says the students are the ones who designed the fort and added all the bells and whistles. “y students wanted to compete with the other entries,” he said. “So, they came up with some great ideas and worked hard to make it happen and come to life.”
Approximately 45 students worked on the project that lasted about five months to build during class. The playhouse is currently on display until May 14th at the Market Street at 98th Street and Quaker.
Raffle tickets can be purchased online anytime or at Market Street at 98th & Quaker on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 - 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 - 5 p.m. The drawing will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is not necessary to win. Playhouses will be delivered to winners on Saturday, May 18.
Click here for more information on how to purchase raffle tickets and to see this year’s playhouses.