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The Society, founded in 1911, has launched a fundraising initiative called ”The Campaign for 100” as the nonprofit organization celebrates its 100th year in greater St. Louis.
All funds raised in “The Campaign for 100” will directly support Society programs and services to provide specialized Vision Rehabilitation, Orientation & Mobility, Adaptive Education, Assistive Technology, Children’s Services and Support Services to blind and visually impaired people and their families in greater St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois.
Each member of the Society’s Board of Directors committed an additional $100 or more above their previous donations to the Society when the Board unanimously approved the “Campaign for 100” initiative, said Ron Hampp, Society Board Chair.
“We are all enthusiastic and proud to be part of an organization with such a long and rich history of services to the community and to those who are blind or visually impaired, ” Hampp said. “’The Campaign for 100’ is one small way we can honor those who founded our organization a century ago and help the Society continue to serve our community in the 21st century.”
Individuals and companies that want to contribute specifically to ”The Campaign for 100” may choose to mail donations of at least $100 to the Society headquarters at 8770 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63144, contribute via the Society website or contact the Society at 314.968.9000.
Society President David Ekin, ACSW, LCSW, said, “We are very appreciative of all who support our service mission by making a financial donation of any amount. Any person or company that commits to making a minimum $100 donation for 100 years to ‘The Campaign for 100’ via bequest or other means will be recognized throughout the Society’s 100th anniversary year.”
Originally known as the Missouri Association for the Blind, the Society was founded in 1911 by James C. Jones and other St. Louis citizens to help prevent blindness, promote vision conservation, render social services to blind people, teach adult blind persons and help them find employment. Mr. Jones served the organization in leadership capacities for decades.
A successful businessman, Mr. Jones bought the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team in 1916. A bright young man who was selling refreshments was soon promoted to work in the team’s front office. That young man was Bill DeWitt, who rose through the ranks of the Cardinals organization and stayed a top executive with the team for more than 20 years. His grandson, William O. DeWitt, III, is President of the St. Louis Cardinals today and has volunteered to serve as Honorary Chairman of the Society’s 100th Anniversary Celebrations.
Mr. DeWitt III said, “I am proud to support the St. Louis Society for the Blind & Visually Impaired as Honorary Chairman of its centennial celebrations. The Society is an integral and important asset for our community that helps thousands of children, adults and senior citizens overcome vision challenges and discover new ways of living, working, and enriching their lives.”
The Society is a registered 501 C (3) not-for-profit organization; donations to the Society may be tax-deductible. The Society enhances independence, empowers individuals and enriches the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired and their families. It provides older adults who are newly visually impaired or blind due to age-related eye conditions with home-based services, specialized services and community activities. It also renders services to school-age students in Illinois and Missouri. It is the only agency of its kind serving greater St. Louis, and the second oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River.
For more information about Society activities and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Society website or call David Ekin at 314.968.9000.
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