The annual Parade of Playhouses at Northpark Center returns for its 24th year this week. The event presents imaginative and fun playhouses, and serves as a fundraiser benefiting abused and neglected children. Generous architects, builders, organizations, corporations and individuals design, build and donate extraordinary children’s playhouses to raise funds to support Dallas CASA. CASA is an organization dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in protective care, giving them a chance to break the cycle of abuse and neglect.

The organization, founded in 1977, has grown.  Dallas volunteers have helped thousands of children find safe, permanent homes, giving more than 3,100 children in Dallas County homes last year.  Today, more than 76,000 advocates serve in nearly 1,000 state and local program offices nationwide.Judges appoint Dallas CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children, helping these children gain safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

A child inspects one of the 15 offerings in CASA's 2016 Parade of Playhouses.

A child inspects one of the 15 offerings in CASA’s 2016 Parade of Playhouses.

During the 17-day event, raffle tickets will be sold to those interested in winning one of the whimsical creations, with all proceeds going to CASA, to continue their mission. Raffle tickets are available online now, along with a small preview of the houses. This year,  there are 17 pint-sized creations, with themes including a lunar landing module, an inclusive autism awareness house, a food truck and many other unique designs. The playhouses will be on display from July 12-28, giving you plenty of time to see the playful creations, and enough time to donate.

There will also be a competition for best playhouse, with each vote allowing for another opportunity to donate. You can vote for your favorite by texting dallascasa to 41444. Each vote costs $5. The winner will be announced on social media and the CASA website. Votes are not entered into the raffle drawing.

For more information about the event, click here.