It may take a lot of big tippers, but Traci Mears is optimistic she can raise as much as $50,000 to help abused children at the first-ever big fundraiser for the Court Appointed Special Advocates.

"Celebrity" waiters and waitresses will serve $75 dinners at the event, Friday, Aug. 24 at the Ramkota Inn, and they aim to earn every tip they get.

CASA staff and volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children who end up in the court system. Each year in Natrona County, executive director Mears said, as many as 200 children are removed from their homes. Most return, but they and their families need intervention services along the way.

CASA has served 207 children from 114 families since 2002.

The volunteers research each child's background and speak up for his or her best interest in court. They monitor the child's case and help the child find the right services for his or her needs.

The organization has a staff of four and hopes to raise between $30,000 and $50,000 at the dinner to expand their work. There are 36 volunteers actively working on cases now, too.

Mick McMurry will be the "head celebrity server," maitre d' to a crew of nearly 60 including U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, attorneys, news anchors, bank presidents, physicians and more.

Mears hopes the dinner will be a success she'll want to continue each year.

"The only way we're able to operate is based on the donations we receive each year," Mears said. That includes some grants, United Way contributions and other donations.

She also hopes to attract as many as 15 new volunteers, who will be trained in October.

"The time commitment is not that great," she said. "What we're interested in is people making a difference in a child's life."