Shore Medical Center President and CEO Ron Johnson was recognized on Thursday, April 26, 2012, during the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) “I Am for the Child” Community Awareness Breakfast held at Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, NJ.

The “I Am for the Child” Community Awareness Breakfast is CASA’s most important fundraiser of the year, generating much-needed funds through pledges, sponsors and leadership gifts. During the event, photos of Johnson and nine other area business leaders each holding a picture of a child in support of the organization’s “In Good Company” corporate campaign were unveiled.

“In Good Company” partners receive updates on the children that CASA serves, allowing each company to see the direct, positive impact that CASA volunteers have on children living in foster care. “In Good Company” also offers the opportunity to become annual partners in the success of CASA while also providing the chance to bring positive change to the life of one or more children.

Speaking at the breakfast was Ashley Marie Rhodes-Courter, an author and former foster child, who spoke about her experiences in the Florida foster care system and encouraged those in the audience to become involved with CASA and the work the organization does on behalf of the 700 foster care children in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

“We are proud to support and partner with CASA and the work that they do advocating for abused and neglected children in the Atlantic and Cape May counties’ foster care systems,” said Johnson. “People need to understand the importance of the work that CASA and their volunteers do each and every day, and we are honored to help raise awareness and funds for this worthwhile cause.”

Pictured: Shore Medical Center President and CEO Ron Johnson is one of 10 leading area business leaders to take part in CASA’s “In Good Company” corporate campaign.