The Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association is proud to announce The Boot Camp Girl as a sponsor of Team CASA, the organization’s official charity team that will be participating in the Baltimore Running Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, at M&T Bank Stadium, in Baltimore.

This will be the third year that The Boot Camp Girl, a Howard County-based company that provides boot camp-style fitness programs and personal training, will serve as a sponsor of Team CASA.

“We learned about Team CASA through one of our members whose sorority supports the organization nationally,” said Stephanie Dignan, the company’s owner, of Woodbine. “We are happy to support an organization that does such great work on behalf of vulnerable children,” citing Maryland CASA’s efforts to ensure all abused and neglected children their right to safe and permanent homes.

In addition to serving as a Team CASA sponsor, The Boot Camp Girl also has recruited more than 20 of its members to join this year’s team. “We’re thrilled to have The Boot Camp Girl’s support again this year,” said Ed Kilcullen, Maryland CASA’s state director. “They have been strong financial supporters of Team CASA for three years, and their members bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the event.”

Members of Team CASA, which will be composed of 150 runners and walkers of all fitness levels, will compete in any of the four races held during the Baltimore Running Festival, including the full marathon, half-marathon, team relay and 5K. There is also a kids’ fun run for children 12 and under. Those interested in joining Team CASA may register by visiting www.goteamcasa.org; donations are also welcome and may be made through the web site.

The organization is also seeking additional sponsors to help reach its goal of $50,000. “We have experienced significant funding cuts in recent years, yet the challenge of advocating for more than 5,000 vulnerable children remains,” said Kilcullen.

Currently, CASA serves only one in five children in state custody. Those interested in becoming a sponsor of Team CASA are urged to contact Patrick Seidl at 410-828-6761. All proceeds from the event will support Maryland CASA’s efforts to recruit additional volunteers to serve as advocates for Maryland’s nearly 5,000 abused and neglected children in foster care.