Introducing Our First Annual Jockey Challenge!
Get to know our jockeys and donate today.
Each jockey will be raising funds throughout April for Child Abuse Prevention Month! The winner will be announced at our annual dinner on Friday, May 1st—so pick your jockey and support their ride! All donations support CASA by the Lakes!
Meet Linda Avery
Avery’s career began with a dedicated 27-year tenure as a paralegal at Overbey Law Firm. Following this extensive period, she was honored to be elected as the Calloway Circuit Court Clerk in 2006. She proudly served in this significant public role from 2007 until her retirement in December 2023, where she found immense fulfillment in contributing to our community. Her decision to retire was largely motivated by a desire to prioritize spending more quality time with family, particularly her four beloved grandchildren.
Even in retirement, Avery remains deeply committed to community involvement. She dedicates a substantial amount of her time to the Murray Calloway County Community Foundation, where she currently serves as Secretary to the Board of Directors. She also actively contributes to the Donate Life Kentucky Trust, sitting on its Board of Directors and holding the position of Vice President.
Beyond these organizational roles, her faith is a cornerstone of her life; She is an active member of Westside Baptist Church and enjoys teaching first-grade Sunday school.
Meet Jody Wright
Regarded as one of the nation’s top recruiters and talent evaluators, Jody Wright was named the 20th head football coach of the Murray State Racers. He enters his second season in 2025 after serving as tight ends coach at South Carolina under Shane Beamer. Wright brings an extensive coaching résumé, including two stints under Nick Saban, along with experience working alongside prominent coaches such as Lane Kiffin, Kirby Smart, and Joe Judge.
At South Carolina, Wright coached tight end Trey Knox to Second Team All-SEC honors and helped assemble a recruiting class ranked 17th nationally. He previously spent time in the NFL with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, working with standout running backs such as Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb.
Before his NFL tenure, Wright played a key role at UAB, helping lead the program to a school-record 11 wins, a Conference USA Championship, and its first bowl victory in 2018. He also served as Director of Player Personnel at Alabama from 2015–17, where the Crimson Tide went 41–3, won two national championships, and secured the nation’s top recruiting class each year. His earlier time at Alabama included roles as a graduate assistant and offensive analyst during back-to-back national title seasons.
Wright began his coaching career at Jacksonville State and later worked at Mississippi State, where he rose to Director of Football Operations. A native of Carrollton, Alabama, he played collegiately at Jacksonville State and comes from a highly accomplished football family. Wright and his wife, Meredith, have three children: Thomas, Wellesley, and Landon.
Meet Monti Collins
Monti Collins is a lifelong resident of Marshall County. He and his wife, Denise, live near Calvert City with their two daughters. Sophie is studying Elementary Ed. at Murray State, and Jillian is studying to be a Missionary and just recently returned from the mission field. Monti is a graduate of Murray State with a degree in Finance. He went into banking after graduation for 15 years and is beginning his 14th year as a Realtor. Monti was also elected as the 3rd District County Commissioner in Marshall County in 2018 and is finishing his 2nd term in office. He is involved in several local and statewide boards and committees and enjoys time at the gym or running when not working or with his family.
Meet J.R. Mason
J.R. Mason, 29, is a Marshall County business owner who believes in working hard and giving back to his community. He owns multiple small businesses and enjoys golfing and cooking in his free time. J.R. is an active volunteer, serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as President-Elect of the Rotary Club, and is also preparing to be initiated into the Marshall County Elks Lodge.
Giving back has always been important to J.R., and that’s why supporting CASA means so much to him. He believes every child deserves a safe, stable home and someone in their corner, and he’s proud to help advocate for children and make a difference in their lives however he can.