We’re ecstatic to say: WE DID IT!
OUR FIRST ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
VLANJ staff members pose with Dave Steele, “The Blind Poet.”
For our first annual Day of Giving, our goal was to raise $7,900 celebrating 79 years of VLANJ, in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes – in honor of VLANJ’s founding year of 1943. Not only did we meet that goal, but with the help of our incredible donors and individuals and brands helping to spread the word, we exceeded it!
For our first ever Day of Giving, we raised $10,200, surpassing our goal of $7,900 by a landslide! We also received 72 gifts and participation from 69 donors, 21 of whom were new donors, and 21 donations made generously by VLANJ program participants.
A graphic depicts VLANJ’s incredible results from their first annual Day of Giving.
We want to say a huge, resounding “thank you” to all those who helped us spread awareness, gave a donation, and/or came to visit us in person during our 1 day, 9 hour, and 43 minute event.
For this event, support came from all over the world – literally! A huge highlight on our Day of Giving was a special in-person event featuring Dave Steele, “The Blind Poet,” during which he came to speak at our Denville, NJ location (all the way from the UK!). Dave shared about his inspiring journey with vision loss, performed an amazing in-person poetry reading, and, afterwards, met with VLANJ community members. Many VLANJ program participants traveled to celebrate our Day of Giving with us in person, enjoying in-person programs, events, and of course some celebratory cake and balloons.
A white cake with purple frosting reads: “Happy 79th Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey!”
Thank you to Dave Steele, CONQUERing, WagALot Pet Shop, local Denville, NJ businesses such as Inspiration Roll, The Pasta Shop Denville, Thatcher McGhee’s Denville, Bold Blind Beauty, and individuals including but not limited to Anne, Claire Sisk, Monica Pruitt, Sadi Taylor, and Katie’s Vision for donating unique gifts and/or helping us to spread the word!
We are so grateful for such a generous display of kindness and support! Because of it, we are able to continue offering services, aid, and resources to those living with vision loss who need it.
We look forward to all that next year has in store – stay tuned for our 80th year celebration!