Thank you to those who supported the Inland Northwest Lighthouse (INL) Expansion Fiesta. Over 200 people from across the state of Washington gathered at our Addison Street location to celebrate the official grand opening of our newly expanded facility and increased jobs for people who are blind in Spokane.

The fiesta included a bounce castle and pony rides for kids, a mechanical bull, piñatas, braille raffle, tours of our new building, taco truck, and a beer and margarita garden. The event program featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, along with remarks by The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. President and CEO Kirk Adams. We also heard from INL employee Steve Smith, and Inland Northwest Lighthouse Advisory Council member Jeremy Lewis, followed by a special ceremony to honor Board of Trustee Emeritus Bruce Walker and Don Mollet for each providing 30 years of outstanding service to the Lighthouse.

A lot of fun was had by all who attended. The fiesta raised over $15,000 in support of the facility expansion, which added 42 thousand square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space and allowed us to launch a new line of wallboards. As a result, INL will employ up to 100 people who are blind over the next five years.

The new building also includes several amenities for employees such as a spacious break room, new lockers, and a secure, climate-controlled kennel and relief area that can house 13 dog guides used by INL employees for safe travel to and from work.

The success of the INL Expansion Fiesta would not have been possible without the strong support of the Spokane community, our dedicated event volunteers, and our generous sponsors. We’ll also like to thank the members of the INL Advisory Council and Fiesta planning committee for their time and commitment to our mission.

Thank you again for everyone who came out to enjoy the INL Expansion Fiesta. Through your support INL will continue to create and enhance opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities here in Spokane!

If you were unable to attend, but would still like to give the gift of increased jobs, empowerment, and independence, please contact Shawn Dobbs at 509-487-0405 or visit www.inlandlh.org.