Thank You for Supporting the Redefining Vision Garden Party!

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Garden Party

Our annual Redefining Vision Garden Party on Thursday, August 17th was a night to remember! We welcomed175 guests to the Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden and raised over $20,000 for the Lighthouse’s Employee and Community Services programs! Thank you to everyone who attended and made this night so special!

The Ethel L. Dupar’s Fragrant Garden was established in 1973 and is designed specifically for our employees who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Within this secret oasis, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful fragrant plants that appeal both to the sense of smell and touch. Access to the fragrant garden is one of the many ways that The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. provides supportive experiences, training, and accessibility for our employees.

 

Lighthouse employees and friends attending the Garden Party
Photos courtesy of J. Bregman Photography

During the evening guests had the chance to learn about adaptive technology, and how our Accessibility Program provides the necessary equipment, human support, information, technology and training for employees to be successful at work. Guests also learned about safe travel and how employees navigate independently using white canes from Lighthouse’s Orientation and Mobility instructors.

Guests checking out the O&M display at the Garden Party

Throughout the Garden Party guests mingled with employees, friends, family, community members and long-time Lighthouse supporters while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and music in the garden. The big hit of the evening was the silent auction! We had 19 different prize packages featuring tickets to Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Sounders FC games, along with gift cards to local restaurants, vacation get-a-ways, Boeing model planes, Microsoft Office products, handcrafted wooden planters, bowls, pens, and bottle stopper, and so much more. Thank you to all of our in-kind donors who made our silent auction possible!

Silent auction prizes

The highlight of the party was hearing from Production Worker Melinda Slovernick, who shared her personal story of losing part of her vision after she was involved in a severe car accident leaving her in a coma for three months. Guests were inspired by her determination and spirit. Thanks to the generosity of the community the Lighthouse continues to support employees like Melinda and provide opportunities to learn new skills, gain experience, and develop the confidence necessary to be successful in the workplace, their personal lives, and communities.

Collage of photos of the Garden Party and speakers

You can continue to make an impact in their lives by making a donation today to support opportunities for employment, independence, and self-sufficiency for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.

If you were unable to attend, we have another great opportunity to learn more about our history and mission, please join us for our Blue Friday presentation of our “Get to Know the Lighthouse” event series, on Friday, September 8th, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Lighthouse. Please RSVP to Cindy Van Winkle at (206) 436-2264 or cvanwinkle@seattlelh.org.

Thank you to everyone who has made an impact at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. this year! With your support we are making a difference for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities in our community.

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Friends, Food, and Fun at the 2017 INL Food Truck Rally

Posted on by Robert Hanna in INL Food Truck Rally
Group photo of Lighthouse staff at the 2017 INL Food Truck Rally
Group photo of Lighthouse staff at the 2017 INL Food Truck Rally (photos courtesy of Rick Diffley)

On Thursday June 1st, we hosted our second Inland Northwest Lighthouse (INL) Food Truck Rally! We welcomed over 250 people to our facility and raised over $11,000 which goes directly to our Employee and Community Services Program in Spokane. These funds will help employees be successful at their jobs, provide training to increase independence and self-sufficiency, and adaptive technology.

Vendors serving pizza to guests at the event
Vendors serving pizza to guests at the event

The event started off with some rain, which gave way to a beautiful sunny evening in Spokane. We had delicious food provided by the Greater Spokane Food Truck Association, and the seven food trucks that participated. The variety of food was amazing. The food trucks included Toby’s BBQ, Mixed Plate, King of Tacos, Mac Daddy Gourmet Grub, Roamin’ Pizza Chariot, Black Fire Kettle Corn, and Brain Freeze Creamery.

Guests had opportunities to take a tour of our manufacturing facility, have a cold beer in the beer garden, purchase raffle tickets for a chance for some great prizes, and for kids we had a bounce castle!

We had many wonderful raffle prizes at the rally. They included the Date Night Package, which had: Two night stay at the Red Lion Hotel, $50 gift card to Clinkerdagger, and two movie passes to The Garland Movie Theater. We also had a Seattle Mariners Mini Trip Package which consisted of: One night stay at The Silver Cloud Hotel, $50 gift card to Jimmy’s Restaurant, and two tickets to Fireworks Night at the Seattle Mariners game on Saturday, July 28th. We are so thankful for our in kind donors from so many great businesses in the Spokane and Seattle area.

Director of Public Relations and Development Greg Szabo speaking at the event
Director of Public Relations and Development Greg Szabo speaking at the event

Throughout the evening the emcee kept the music playing, and people had a great time. The speakers for the night’s festivities were Director of Public Relations and Development, Greg Szabo, and the new President and CEO of the Lighthouse Mike May. Mike told the crowd about a couple of the amazing parts of his life, and talked about what this new venture in life means to him.

Overall the 2017 INL Food Truck Rally was a great success. The community was able to learn a lot about the great training opportunities we provide for our employees and the amazing quality products that are made by people that are blind in the greater Spokane area. Thank you so much to those of you that could join us and for donating to a great cause.

Thank You for Supporting the Redefining Vision Luncheon!

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Uncategorized

Our annual Redefining Vision Luncheon is the Lighthouse’s largest fundraising event of the year. This year, we welcomed over 220 guests to The Westin Seattle Hotel on Thursday, March 9th to celebrate the impact of the Lighthouse’s mission and success in the community. We raised over $126,000 for the continued support of accessible jobs, adaptive technology, and vital training programs for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.

Keynote Speaker Jake Olson
Keynote Speaker Jake Olson

Guests had an opportunity to meet employees and engage in lively conversations with other attendees before the start of the program. In addition, guests had an exclusive opportunity to visit our display tables showcasing a selection of products manufactured by the Lighthouse in Seattle, Spokane, and Summerville. Also featured was a demonstration table hosted by Orientation and Mobility Specialists from our Employee and Community Services department.

Emcee Mark Wright
Emcee Mark Wright addresses the crowd

When the Luncheon program commenced, guests were treated to an inspiring and motivational program featuring KING5 news anchor Mark Wright as the emcee, blind athlete and inspirational speaker Jake Olson as our keynote speaker, and DeafBlind Lighthouse employee Jorge Aristizabal.

Mark Wright was a skilled and lively emcee, keeping the program engaging while sharing his how impressed he was with the Lighthouse after a recent tour. Jake Olson shared how he overcame losing his eye sight to cancer at age twelve and his journey to becoming a football player. He shared his inspirational philosophy, “that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” You can learn more about this amazing young man by visiting his website www.openyoureyes.com.

Employee Speaker Jorge Aristizabal and an interpreter
Employee Speaker Jorge Aristizabal and an interpreter

The highlight of the afternoon was the Lighthouse’s very own Jorge Aristizabal who spoke about his time at the Lighthouse. He spoke of the positive influence the organization has had in people’s lives and how it has impacted him personally. He gave a spirited lesson in DeafBlind culturally appropriate applause which consists of stomping feet and banging on the tables in order to create vibrations that someone who is DeafBlind can feel.

It has become a tradition to debut a new video about the Lighthouse at the Redefining Vision Luncheon. This year’s video was inspired by the ways the Lighthouse is “making an impact,” featuring Lighthouse employees CNC Specialist Mike King, Contact Center Representative Meka White, and Accessibility Manager Antonio Rozier, along with Foundation Board members Katherine Perry, Barbra Ross, Doug Fischer, and Doug’s husband and Lighthouse donor Stephen Hadden. You can view the video here below:

We would like to thank everyone who joined us to support and celebrate our mission of creating and enhancing opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency of people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. To all our table captains and volunteers, we couldn’t have done this without you, thank you for your dedication and support. To our sponsors, thank you for your ongoing financial commitment to our mission, you help us sustain the work we do each and every day.

To everyone who donated, attended and lent their resources to the 2017 Redefining Vision Luncheon, we extend a heartfelt Thank You! Together we are making an impact for the future of the Lighthouse!

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Redefining Vision Summer Garden Party!

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Photos
Guests experiencing the fragrant plants at the Redefining Vision Garden Party
Guests experiencing the fragrant plants at the Redefining Vision Garden Party

Thank you to everyone who attended the Redefining Vision Summer Garden Party this year! We hope that you enjoyed the scents, sounds, and feel of Ethel L. Dupar’s Fragrant Garden.

With community support from our generous sponsors Snoqualmie Tribe, Imaginetics, Exotic Metals Forming Company, Hilliards Beer, and Northwest Cellars, as well as a very successful silent auction, we were able to raise over $11,000 for our Employee and Community Services programs.

Guests checking out the silent auction items at the Redefining Vision Garden Party
Guests checking out the silent auction items at the Redefining Vision Garden Party

This event was more than just a fundraiser. We were pleased to have welcomed over 160 guests, including new friends, community members, and long-time Lighthouse supporters to the garden party this year. Our employee speaker Paul Ducharme shared his experience of jobs, independence, and empowerment at the Lighthouse. Many volunteers donated their time and energy to make this event a success. We send a big thank you to all of these folks and to all attendees for warming our hearts with your presence. Brian Hartbeat, the official DJ for the [206] TV Show, provided the musical groove for us all to enjoy.

If you were unable to attend, we have another great opportunity for you to experience our beautiful secret garden and enjoy a lunch presentation of our “Get to Know the Lighthouse” event series on Thursday, September 24th, 2015. Please RSVP to Troy Coalman at (206) 436-2174 or tcoalman@seattlelh.org.

Again, thank you for your attendance and support!

Thank You to All Our Redefining Vision Summer Garden Party Sponsors and In-Kind Contributors!

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Uncategorized

We are incredibly grateful for all of the generous gifts of cash and in-kind contributions to our Redefining Vision Summer Garden Party! Join us on Thursday, August 13th for a relaxing evening with great local food and drinks, a live DJ, and an incredible silent auction. Learn more and RSVP here.

Check out our sponsorship radio ad now playing on SPIRIT 105.3 FM.

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Sponsors:

Snoqualmie Tribe 2

Snoqualmie Indian Tribe

Exotic Metals Forming Company

Lane Powell PC

In kind contributors:

Amie Ryan, Ballard Market, Ben Bridge Jewelers, BluWater Bistro, Constance Engelstad, City People’s Garden Store, Columbia City Bakery, David Garten, Einer Handeland, Fast Rabbits, Fran’s Chocolates, Geraldine’s Counter, Hilliard’s Beer, Howie Dickerman, John Howie Steak, Kirk Adams, Kirk Neamen, Lighthouse Operations Team, Longhorn BBQ, McLendon Hardware Inc., Michael and Megan Leifson, Nate’s Wings and Waffles, Northwest Cellars, OtterBox, Pat O’Hara, Paul Carter, PCC Natural Markets, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Ron Ross, Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, Renaissance Hotel, Rhein Haus, Salty’s, STG Presents, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Storm, Seattle Symphony, Spa Hop, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Rainiers, The Ruins, Tim Reiterman, Travel Set Go, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, Underground Tour, and Woodland Park Zoo.

A Guest’s Perspective: 2015 Redefining Vision Luncheon

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Luncheon, Photos

Submitted by Billie Klan

Each year I think that the events by The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. are pretty special — that they are continually improving. This year’s Redefining Vision Luncheon was my favorite!

Lighthouse employees Peggy Martinez (left) and Andrew Stauffer (right) provided some musical entertainment for guests at the Redefining Vision Luncheon.
Lighthouse employees Peggy Martinez (left) and Andrew Stauffer (right) provided some musical entertainment for guests at the Redefining Vision Luncheon.

While guests mingled, Lighthouse employees Peggy Martinez and Andrew Stauffer set a light tone for the opening of the Luncheon by providing musical entertainment. Other Lighthouse employees, David Jefferson and Robert Studebaker, gave very clear and thorough explanations of some of the hundreds of parts and products made at the Lighthouse. Our guests were surprised at how compact the entrenching tool became as shown by Pat Cashman — a delightful and the perfect emcee.

BSC Sales Coordinator David Jefferson (left) and Contact Center Representative Robert Studebaker (inside left) tell guests about the products we make at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
BSC Sales Coordinator David Jefferson (left) and Contact Center Representative Robert Studebaker (inside left) tell guests about the products we make at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Seattle Actor and Comedian Pat Cashman emceed the event
Seattle Actor and Comedian Pat Cashman emceed the event

The true STARS were Shawn, Michelle, and Nathan.  We know there had to have been lots of preparation and work to make such a wonderful video.  It really shows the people behind the jobs at the Lighthouse.

Development and Public Relations Director Shawn Dobbs addresses the crowd as Production Worker Michelle Denzer and CNC Machinist Nathan Greenwood stand on stage
Development and Public Relations Director Shawn Dobbs addresses the crowd as Production Worker Michelle Denzer and CNC Machinist Nathan Greenwood stand on stage

We all come to this event knowing that we’ll have a lovely meal, meet other people excited and interested in the Lighthouse, and leave inspired.  This luncheon achieved all that and more. Congratulations!

Meet our Redefining Vision Luncheon Emcee: Pat Cashman

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Luncheon, Uncategorized

We’re thrilled to welcome Seattle Actor and Comedian Pat Cashman as the emcee for our 2015 Redefining Vision Luncheon supporting Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation. We hope you can join us on Tuesday, March 31st from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Westin Seattle Hotel and share in our employees’ stories of jobs, independence, and empowerment. Click here to RSVP today!

Photo of Pat Cashman in a black sweater
Photo of Pat Cashman in a black sweater

Pat Cashman has been a broadcast performer and writer in the Northwest for over thirty years.  Along the way, he has been a TV weatherman, talk show host, stand-up comedian, short story writer, newspaper columnist, magazine essayist, TV sports reporter, radio and TV voice-over announcer, and character voice talent in cartoons and video games. He is the announcer on Nintendo’s Super Smash Brothers which is currently the most popular video game in the world.

For several years, he was a featured performer, writer, and producer on the Seattle-based sketch TV show Almost Live! — a program that was also syndicated nationally and appeared for two years on the Comedy Central network.  For his work on that show and other projects, Cashman has won dozens of Northwest Emmys, advertising awards, radio honors, and medallions from the International Film and TV Festival of New York.

Cashman was an announcer and character actor on Disney’s Bill Nye the Science Guy Show — as well as PBS’s Eyes of Nye. Cashman was also the featured performer on National Geographic’s Amazing Planet.
Currently Pat co-hosts the Seattle TV sketch comedy show the [206], the highest-rated non-news local television show in the nation.
Cashman has hosted several popular Seattle radio shows, consistently winning newspaper readers polls as “Favorite Radio Personality.” He also won the same honor on Seattle’s “Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington.”

In addition, Cashman writes a weekly humor column for Robinson Newspapers and co-hosts a popular podcast, peculiarpodcast.com.

Join us on March 31st, 2015 for your chance to meet in-demand emcee and humorous, inspirational speaker Pat Cashman at our 2015 Redefining Vision Luncheon. Your attendance will support increased opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency of people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities.

Thank You for Being Part of our Lighthouse Family!

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Photos
Employee speaker Jacob Kamaunu
Employee speaker Jacob Kamaunu

On this national day of philanthropy, #GivingTuesday, we want to say thank you for supporting our mission with your gifts of time, passion, and financial contribution.

This morning we held our annual Redefining Vision Holiday Breakfast and Donor Recognition Reception to honor some of the volunteers, board members, Legacy Society members, and donors who have made a significant impact to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. I am very grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to attend this morning’s function and share my life’s journey and connection to the Lighthouse.

Many employees say that the Lighthouse is like a family to them. You are a member of that family!

Today we celebrate each and every one of you for helping continue our important work. Together we are transforming lives by giving individuals who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities the means to become increasingly independent and self-sufficient.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our mission and happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Jacob Kamaunu
Production Worker
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Seattle Lighthouse’s Summer Social

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Photos
Lighthouse Employee of the Year Salvador Huizar speaks to the crowd at Redefining Vision Summer Evening Out
Lighthouse Employee of the Year Salvador Huizar speaks to the crowd at Redefining Vision Summer Evening Out

In true Seattle style, the nearly 100 event attendees and volunteers appreciated the warm afternoon at our August 14th Redefining Vision Summer Evening Out.

Guests enjoyed the delicious hors d’oeuvres, beer from Georgetown Brewing Company, and wine from Davenport Cellars while mingling in Ethel L. Dupar’s Fragrant Garden. The smooth jazz provided by Lighthouse employee and DJ, Larry Irvin, offered a great background soundtrack for chatting with old friends and meeting new ones.

Guests also had plenty of opportunities to learn about The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.’s mission and training programs by taking a tour of our Machine Shop or participating in a hands-on technology, Braille Literacy Program, or Orientation and Mobility Program demonstration.

A big thank you to our employee speaker Salvador Huizar for sharing his story of upward mobility and leadership training as one of our 2013 Employees of the Year. As always, we were delighted to hear from President and CEO Kirk Adams as he thanked our community for its continued support and shared a little about the Lighthouse’s recent accomplishments.

Thank you also to our premier event sponsor, Amber Janitorial Inc., and Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos for attending this lovely outdoor event.

Our small silent auction raised over $1,800 and included some incredible items such as Dinner and Jazz with Kirk and Ros Adams, Chihuly Gardens and Glass Arts and Excursion Package, tickets to Bumbershoot 2014, and more!

Will this be an annual event? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please comment on this post or contact our Events and Annual Fund Coordinator Andrea Travis at atravis@seattlelh.org  to share your feedback and ideas for summer 2015!

Making Connections at the Redefining Vision Luncheon

Posted on by Robert Hanna in Uncategorized

Check out full audio of the event, or download an mp3 by right-clicking the “Download” link below:
[powerpress]

Our 2014 Redefining Vision Luncheon was one of our best events yet!  Thank you to all our community supporters for joining us at The Westin on Wednesday, April 9th and helping us raise $100,000 to benefit The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.’s annual Deaf-Blind Retreat!

Seahawk Derrick Coleman, Jr. at the Meet and Greet portion of the Redefining Vision Luncheon
Seahawk Derrick Coleman, Jr. at the Meet and Greet portion of the Redefining Vision Luncheon

It all started with a special VIP Meet & Greet with our featured speaker, Derrick Coleman Jr., fullback/running back for the NFL Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks.  He shook hands, signed autographs, took photos, and met about 30 employees, board members, and Lighthouse community members.  Derrick was personable, relaxed, and funny!  We were so glad to have him at the Luncheon!

Lighthouse employees and musicians Andrew Stauffer (left) and Peggy Martinez (right) performing at the Redefining Vision Luncheon
Lighthouse employees and musicians Andrew Stauffer (left) and Peggy Martinez (right) performing at the Redefining Vision Luncheon

At 11:30 a.m. we enjoyed the musical stylings of several Lighthouse employees, Peggy Martinez and Andrew Stauffer.  They played several fun and upbeat covers as well as an original acoustic piece written by Andrew.  They are both incredibly talented musicians and it was nice to have some entertainment while guests socialized.

Our emcee, Rep. Cyrus Habib of the 48th Legislative District, Washington State house of Representatives, started the program at noon while lunch was served.  Cyrus is a natural public speaker and he easily kept the audience engaged and excited for every moment of our incredible program full of inspirational stories of empowerment and independence.

Rep. Cyrus Habib emcee'ing the Redefining Vision Luncheon
Rep. Cyrus Habib emcee’ing the Redefining Vision Luncheon

Cyrus shared some of his own journey as a young blind child growing up in public schools and being left alone on the playground.  He reminded everyone that teaching children and adults the proper skills such as braille, adaptive technology, and orientation and mobility is essential for building confidence and becoming a thriving community member.  He explained that that’s why the Lighthouse’s mission is also so important in creating those opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities.

Deaf-Blind Retreat Coordinator aj granda speaking at the luncheon
Deaf-Blind Retreat Coordinator aj granda speaking at the luncheon

Cyrus then introduced our employee speaker aj granda, Deaf-Blind Education and Retreat Coordinator.  aj started her presentation by explaining to the audience that as a Deaf-Blind individual, she relies on physical connection.  Since she cannot see or hear the audience, she asked us to stomp on the floor and create vibrations that she could feel to know she wasn’t alone in the room.  She also had everyone reach out and touch the person next to them and then showed us the sign for “connection” in American Sign Language.

Luncheon guests connecting with one another during the program
Luncheon guests connecting with one another during the program

We were all very excited to hear about The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc.’s annual Deaf-Blind Retreat that takes place in beautiful Seabeck, WA each August.  aj shared that the Retreat offers Deaf-Blind individuals access to information and relationship-building activities in a fully-accessible environment.  The Retreat features educational seminars, recreational activities, and most importantly the chance to network and make connections with other members of the Deaf-Blind community.  She shared that none of this would be possible without the 120-150 volunteer interpreter/guides who put in nearly 7,000 of volunteer time in a one-week period.

We are incredibly grateful to have the support of such a great community!  As aj reminded us, Seattle has a world-class Deaf-Blind community and it takes your support year-round to make this possible!

Finally, Cyrus introduced Derrick Coleman, the first offensive deaf player in the NFL.  Derrick answered several questions, asked by aj granda, about his childhood, communications strategies, and experiences as a deaf person.  He inspired us with his confidence and story of empowerment.  He made the audience laugh when he said “If someone tells me I can’t do something I say, watch me!” and deepened our own independence by saying “nothing more painful than the pain of regret.”

Featured guest Derrick Coleman, Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks (right) speaking during the Luncheon
Featured guest Derrick Coleman, Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks (right) speaking during the Luncheon

It truly was an incredible event and thanks again to our community for your ongoing support!  A special thank you to our volunteers, table captains, Luncheon Committee members, and sponsors!

If you were unable to attend but would still like to support our mission, you can make a gift online.  Thank you!