Keynote speaker Jake Olson (right) speaks to the audience at the Luncheon (Photos courtesy of Joey Shaw)
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.’s 2017 Redefining Vision Luncheon was a success! On Thursday, March 9th, we welcomed over 220 guests to The Westin Seattle Hotel and raised over $126,000 for the continued support of accessible jobs, adaptive technologies, and vital training programs for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities in our community.
Guests had an opportunity to meet employees and mingle 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 our Seattle, Spokane, and Summerville locations. Also featured was a demonstration table hosted by Orientation and Mobility Specialists from our Employee and Community Services department.
Lighthouse employee Jorge Aristizabal (right) addresses the audience
Guests were treated to an inspiring and motivational program featuring KING 5 news anchor and emcee Mark Wright, inspirational speaker and blind athlete Jake Olson, who delivered our keynote address, as well as Lighthouse employee Jorge Aristizabal, who is DeafBlind and works in the Machine Shop at our Seattle facility.
The highlight of the afternoon was when Jorge Aristizabal spoke about his career at the Lighthouse. He reflected on the positive influence the organization has had in peoples’ lives and how it has impacted him personally. In addition, he gave a spirited lesson in culturally appropriate applause for the DeafBlind community, which consists of stomping feet and banging on 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 VisionLuncheon. 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, Barbara Ross, Doug Fischer, and Doug’s husband and Lighthouse donor Stephen Hadden. Visit our blog at www.redefiningvision.org to read more about the event, watch our new video, and view photos from the event.
