Meet Our Honorees!

It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce Craig and Pamela Goldman as the deserving Champion for Children award honorees for their outstanding dedication and tireless efforts in championing the causes of children, and Kamala Anupindi as our Voices for Children honoree for her service and devotion both to CASA and her community.

A Lifelong Commitment to Child Advocacy: Craig and Pamela Goldman have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children. Their passion for child advocacy began years ago when they became host parents for several international exchange students. Inspired by their experiences, they embarked on a journey to create positive change. After years of work in the corporate sector, Craig Goldman decided to focus his skills, knowledge, and experience on charitable efforts, specifically those which support our community’s most vulnerable youth.

• Recognizing the significant need for support and resources, they have provided substantial financial assistance to numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of disadvantaged children across various organizations. Their support has funded educational programs, housing programs, life skills training programs, support for pediatric cancer patients and child victims of abuse and neglect, as well as various other essential resources for children in need.

• Philanthropic Contributions: The Goldmans' philanthropic endeavors extend beyond their foundation. They have generously supported Passaic County CASA, investing not only their financial resources but also their time and expertise. Their contributions have significantly bolstered the CASA program, enabling it to reach more children and ensure their voices are heard. Craig Goldman has contributed countless hours to the development of a “Case for Support” to demonstrate the valuable return on investment in the Passaic County CASA program to other individual, corporate, and foundation donors. This contribution has directly led to a significant increase in organizational revenue over the past 5 years. 

• Inspiring Others to Make a Difference: Beyond their own impactful initiatives, the Goldmans have inspired countless others to get involved and make a difference. By actively sharing their story and engaging with the community, they have raised awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. They have inspired several family and friends to become CASA advocates, join the CASA Ambassador program and financially support youth in foster care. Their dedication has sparked a ripple effect, inspiring individuals and organizations to join the cause and become advocates for children's rights.

• Craig and Pamela Goldman's leadership in the realm of child advocacy is nothing short of exceptional. They have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the care, support, and opportunities they deserve. Their ability to galvanize individuals, organizations, and communities to work together for the betterment of children's lives is a testament to their dedication and commitment.

Craig and Pamela Goldman embody the true spirit of champions for children. Through their foundation, philanthropic endeavors, and advocacy efforts, they have positively impacted the lives of countless children in need not only through Passaic County CASA but the community at large. By recognizing and celebrating the Goldmans, we not only honor their outstanding contributions but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.  Congratulations, Craig and Pamela Goldman, our 2023 Champions for Children Honorees! 

They say that when you need to get something done, give it to a busy person to handle.  This year Passaic County CASA is proud to honor someone who exemplifies this saying in everyday life.  Kamala Anupindi is our 2023 Voices for Children honoree for her service and devotion both to CASA and her community.

Kamala’s name is synonymous in the Wayne, NJ community for her tireless efforts and commitment to service in support of others.  Whether she is volunteering as an Advocate, helping a neighbor in need, supporting one of the many local service organizations dedicated to raising up those who need it most, Kamala seems to spend all of her free time giving back and, perhaps more importantly, inspiring those around her to get involved and do the same.   

The Voices for Children honoree is awarded to an individual or group that shows exemplary leadership in the Passaic County Community, recognizing the transformation that can be achieved when people work together towards a cause.  Equally, the awardee is steadfast in their dedication to ensuring that children living in foster care in our county have everything they need for a safe, happy future in a permanent home.  It is with tremendous admiration and appreciation that Passaic County CASA will recognize Kamala as this year’s Voices for Children honoree at the Voices for Children Gala on September 29, 2023. 

Kamala was officially sworn in as a CASA Volunteer in November 2019. Since then she has served as a CASA volunteer for 9 children.  That wasn’t the first time Kamala had an impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Almost 10 years earlier, in 2010,  Kamala was organizing her friends and neighbors together to lend a hand during the holiday season and she stumbled upon CASA and the Holiday Wish Drive.  CASA was seeking donations in support of the children living in foster care who had holiday wishes to be filled.  Without hesitation, Kamala raised her hand and, without hesitation, committed to fulfilling the wishes of 25 children.  She rallied her friends and neighbors and within days, those wishes, mostly in the form of toys, video games and clothing, were filled, wrapped and ready to go!  Since 2010, Kamala has used her knack for bringing people together towards a common mission and has grown the holiday wish program in her community to fulfill the wishes of more than 100 children in foster care each and every year.  And it doesn’t stop with CASA.

Through service, we know that the opportunity for a ripple effect and paying it forward is great!  One positive act leads to the next and the chain reaction continues.  Thanks to the networks she has created and with the help of social media, Kamala has established the “Wayne Volunteers” online community of local individuals who equally are eager to make a difference.  Through Kamala’s inspiration, this community has grown to more than 1,800 members across the county. Over the course of a year, this group supports Father English Food Pantry, Wayne Interfaith Network, St. Paul’s Church, OASIS: A Haven for Women in Children, Eva’s Village and Summer Hill Senior Center to name a few.  In addition to these organizations, the Wayne Volunteers community has supported countless local families struggling to stay on their feet.

Kamala inspires everyone around her. As a talented professional, mother, wife, CASA volunteer and community organizer there are not many who can compare to Kamala. We are honored to have Kamala Anupindi as our 2023 Voices for Children honoree.

Please join us in celebrating at the Gala on September 29, 2023!