by Carly Eden Stokes | Nov 12, 2020 | Blog, Events, News
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s virtual Dining in the Dark event on Oct. 29 attracted an
estimated 500 viewers — and rave reviews!
The event is now available for viewing on our YouTube page by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/dininginthedarkyoutube
Though the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic precluded an in-person gathering this year, the online fundraiser, our major fundraiser of the year, allowed guests to learn about living without sight. VLANJ participants shared their experiences in cooking and dining, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology.
Some quotes from those who joined us:
“You have created a wonderful program out of the ashes of the pandemic,” Maureen D said.
“Thanks for all of your efforts to continue the excellent services VLANJ has to offer students,”
added Debbie A.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the sponsors and donors who supported the event! We are so glad that we can continue to share this virtual experience via YouTube.
by admin | Sep 24, 2020 | Events
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey invites you to VLANJ Goes Virtual: A Dining in the Dark Experience.
Thursday, October 29, 2020
6:45pm EST – Pre-Show
7:00pm EST – Event
Learn about the life of a person with vision loss through a series of stories featuring:
Cooking and Dining
Orientation and Mobility
Assistive Technology
Click Here for your complimentary registration.
Platinum Sponsors
The Bleach Family
The Augusto Family
Claudia Schreiber
Gold Sponsors
Peapack-Gladstone Bank
Williams Jones Wealth Management
Silver Sponsors
Modera Wealth Management
Frank Cafasso, EA LLC
NJ Natural Gas
NJM Insurance Group
Dispenziere & Company, LLP
Martin and Misty Hagan
BridgeHaven Financial Advisors
Summit Lions Club
Norman Dean Home for Services
McIntee, Fusaro Del Corral, LLC
Eyes Like Mine
Church of the Savior
Sponsor a Student
Dyer Landscaping
Please contact Jennifer Singer, Director of Development at (973) 627-0055 ext 1323, jsinger@vlanj.org, for more information.
by admin | Sep 10, 2020 | Events
On October 29, 2020, at 6:45 pm, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey will host VLANJ Goes Virtual: A Dining in the Dark Experience, our organization’s primary 2020 fundraising event. The event is designed to enable sighted individuals to experience the world through the eyes of a person living without sight. We will take you through a day in the life of a person with vision loss through three stories featuring Cooking and Dining, Orientation and Mobility, and Technology and will feature testimonials and advice from our program participants. VLANJ Goes Virtual: A Dining in the Dark Experience will provide critical funding for our virtual program.
Attendance at this event is complimentary, however donations are welcome and appreciated. To register click here. If you cannot attend the event but would like to support our programs and services click here to donate.
While much of the world has paused due to the pandemic, our virtual programs continue to help transform the lives of those who are blind or low vision. VLANJ Goes Virtual: A Dining in the Dark Experience will provide critical funding for these virtual programs, and with the support of donors, we will continue to thrive and grow.
Once again, thank you for supporting Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.
Kris Marino
Executive Director
by admin | Apr 30, 2020 | Blog, Events
Join Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey on Tuesday May 5th as we kick off #GivingTuesdayNow, a day dedicated to inspire donations and citizen engagement to support communities and nonprofits around the world.
Communities and individuals are encouraged to help a neighbor, advocate for an issue, or donate to nonprofits, such as Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vision Loss Alliance is a non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting individuals with vision loss. We rely on your donations to bridge the funding gap caused by the pandemic. With your help, we can continue to provide classes through our new virtual program BeyondSight to aid our students in staying connected, active, and maintaining their independence. Every little bit helps!
Donate by clicking the link below:
vlanj.org/donations
by admin | Jul 16, 2019 | Events
Join us on October 24, 2019 as we celebrate our third annual Dining In The Dark!
Enter a world of smell, taste and sound as you experience a unique sensory experience like no other. Help us as we raise funds to support our programs. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, Art Auction, Dining In The Dark, Entertainment and a wine pull.
Please visit our sponsors here.
Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities available via the form below, or call Jennifer Singer at 973.627.0055 ext 1323 for more information. For a listing of sponsorship details please click here.
by admin | Jun 4, 2019 | Events
Volunteers served up grilled hotdogs, burgers, and chicken with plenty of sides as guests connected with old friends and made new ones at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s Beyond Sight picnic. “It is wonderful being here with friends, and meeting new people,” said Wharton resident Misty Hagan as she hugged Rockaway Township resident Alisha Hawkins.
The June 1 event at Vision Loss Alliance’s Denville location celebrated the 76-year-old nonprofit’s past, present and future. It attracted former and current participants — and some newcomers — from all over northern New Jersey. Several members of Vision Loss Alliance’s Board of Trustees and the entire leadership team attended. Art therapy intern Marisa Juliano, music therapy intern Barbara Rose Smith, and drum circle facilitator Alfred Fredel were on hand to lead activities.
Florence Blume and Carol Jaskula made the trek from Clark in Union County. Blume attended Vision Loss Alliance for years, but a lack of transportation options stopped her. “I love it here, and I would be up here all the time, but it takes two hours each way,” she lamented. “I love this, getting together with people who are a pleasure,” said Robin July, who’s in her second year of Vision Loss Alliance’s technology program. “These people are very special to me.”
Longtime participant Lucy Steinthal used her hands to help see molds of faces and art supplies laid out in the art studio. Across the room, guests wrote words and drew images on a canvas expressing what Vision Loss Alliance means to them. “I resent that I can’t do what I once could do, but this place has really helped me cope,” said Steinthal, a Pompton Plains resident. “The support they’ve given me is great.”
Longtime participant and volunteer Peggy Kane of Rockaway Township said, “This has brought people together who haven’t seen each other for a long time.” “I’m having a blast,” said Millburn resident Chris Franz, who took part in the djembé drumming circle. The picnic was also meaningful to community members who helped set up and clean up, served food, and greeted and guided guests. “This is a great experience,” Denville high school student Emily Dobbs said. Volunteers included three members of the Chester Lioness Club.
