Join Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind for an evening of entertainment and inspiration at our first Annual “Lighting the Way” Gala, which will occur on Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 at the Embassy of France from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
Our featured guest will be Chef Christine Ha, Season 3 winner of Gordon Ramsey’s MasterChef (FOX). Christine, who is blind, will share her amazing story, provide cooking demonstration, and collaborate with Café Descartes, the in-house caterer at the Embassy, to offer a unique, gourmet plated dinner following a cocktail reception. Our gala chairs are Tom Raffa, CEO of Raffa, Andy Shallal, Founder, Busboys & Poets, and Allie Alfonso, Youth Co-Chair.
The funds will support a braille literacy and technology program for elementary and middle schools students who are visually impaired or blind.
Important facts that you should know!
Why are we supporting braille literacy?
- Braille literacy correlates to academic success, higher income and employment. Overall, literacy improves student success, confidence and independence.
- An alarming fact is that only 10% of students who have a visual impairment are literate in braille. More concerning is the number of students being educated in braille literacy has decreased since late 1960, among students who are blind. Each year there are fewer teachers qualified to instruct students in Braille literacy.
- 50% of high school students who are blind dropout before graduating one of the reasons can be attributed to their braille literacy or lack of it. There is a direct correlation to unemployment and dropout rates in persons who are blind.
- Students who are blind and visually impaired should be afforded the same rights as their peers. Poverty in the blind community is preventable by education. Literacy is the key to preventing poverty in the blind community.
Thank you so much in advance. Please let us know if you have any questions or need any other supporting materials.
