An organization that provides support for the blind and visually impaired community recently held an event to recognize its partners while celebrating its 90-year anniversary.
On Thursday, March 10, the VISIONS (Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired) Bronx Advisory Board hosted their 23rd annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Tosca Marquee.
The event honored those who have provided for their community, just as VISIONS has done for the blind and visually impaired population for so long.
The event’s honorees included: Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation; Chuck Cohen, CEO of CTech Low Vision Solutions; Rosemary De Luca, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society; Jennifer Goodstein, CEO and publisher of NYC Community Media, LLC and Community News Group; TOBA LaCrown, president of the Bronx Rotary Club; and Laurie Munro from the New York State Commission for the Blind.
“Just as we (CNG) strive to help with our community newspapers, VISIONS has strived to help the blind and visually impaired community by providing them with the resources they need to live a happy and productive life,” said Goodstein, whose grandmother was blind for the last ten years of her life.
“My grandmother, fortunately, was able to receive support from members of my family, a close-knit neighborhood and the local church, but not everybody is lucky enough to have groups like those to support them. That’s why VISIONS is so important.”
“It was an individual honor, but it should really honor our community newspapers – who will continue to spread the word and support this organization,” Jennifer added.
“What a great feeling, what a special feeling, to be honored by such an impactful organization,” said Cintron. “Seeing providers, non-profit organizations and businesses in the same place for the same important cause, really says a lot about the Bronx – and being honored in a room full of friends was the perfect combination.”
“Individuals who aren’t blind or visually impaired usually take their eyesight for granted – so they forget how big of a role eyesight plays in their life,” said De Luca. “It really warmed my heart to be recognized for an award by an organization that does great work to assist the community. It was truly an honor and I hope that more businesses in the Bronx work with them so they can receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.”
VISIONS, which was incorporated in 1926, is a non-profit rehabilitation and social service organization whose purpose is to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to lead independent and active lives while educating the public to understand the capabilities and needs of these individuals.
Each year, VISIONS provides programs and services to over 6,000 individuals in New York City.
See page 47 for more photos.
