Illinois
School for the Visually Impaired
658 East State Street • Jacksonville, Illinois
62650-2130
Toll Free: 800-919-5617 • Voice: 217-479-4400 • TTY: 217-479-4415 • Fax:
217-479-4479
www.isvi.net • E-mail:
ISVI
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By Reggie Clinton - Superintendent ISVI On Sunday, June 8, the 3rd Annual VisionWalk, sponsored by the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), was held in Chicago. The walk began at Soldier Field and embarked on a 3.1 mile track along the lake front. VisionWalk is the national signature fundraising event of the FFB. Since it’s inception in the Spring of 2006, the program has raised over $4 million to fund sight-saving research. As promising treatments move into critical human studies, the need for research funding becomes greater than ever before. This year I had the honor of being asked to be the Honorary Chair for this event. Part of my responsibilities included addressing the crowd of participants prior to officially starting the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony. I also had the pleasure to meet and speak with other dignitaries attending this event which included Mr. Bill Schmidt - CEO of FFB, Dr. Sandy Goldberg - NBC5 Health Reporter, and Representative Patti Bellock. Nancy Pollak was the organizer for this event which included 600 participants mostly from the Chicago area. Pre-event activities included a kids area with face painting and various activities. A DJ provided pre-event entertainment which included group line dancing and music to stretch by. At the conclusion of the event Out Back Steak House provided a cook-out for all participants on the Great Lawn by Soldier Field. There was something entertaining for everyone of all ages who participated in the VisionWalk. ISVI was represented by a team of participants in this year’s VisionWalk. Team members included Jane Breen, Mindy Ely, Lance Ely and Reggie Clinton. In addition to raising nearly $600 for this event, team members spoke with several participants about the school in Jacksonville and services that are offered on campus and through our outreach activities. We had several parents ask questions about our school and our camps. There was even a young man participating in this event who will be attending his first ISVI Summer Camp later this month. We also had a parent speak with us about how to proceed with getting her college-age daughter enrolled in a vision certification program. Many vocalized how appreciative they were of ISVI having a team in this event and for traveling up to Chicago to participate. Needless to say, this was a special activity we were honored to participate in. It was a fun day and an opportunity for us to spread the word further about the many special programs at ISVI. For some we spoke to it was the first time they had ever heard of our school. Not only did we support a good cause but we also promoted the services ISVI has to offer to students across the state of Illinois. |
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