Outlook Nebraska Vision Beyond Sight Attendees Celebrate Capabilities
Nearly 400 guests came together for an evening of inspiration at Outlook Nebraska’s (outlookne.org) Vision Beyond Sight dinner on November 2. The annual program and dinner is Outlook Nebraska’s largest fundraising event of the year. Attendees met with those in our community who directly benefit from Outlook Nebraska programs and heard from motivational speaker Vera Jones, a Big Ten Network analyst, college basketball coach, and Hall of Fame player. Her talk focused on “playing through the foul” and winning in life against adversity.
The event featured “Dessert in the Dark,” an eye-opening sensory experience. Event guests enjoyed their dessert without sight through Outlook Nebraska-branded blindfolds. This allowed sighted guests to get a glimpse into how our blind neighbors experience life every day.
Following dessert, attendees learned about the waiting list for technology training. Two powerful stories were shared with the audience, demonstrating how computers, smartphones, and other devices enrich life for people with limited or no vision.
A silent auction featured artwork including wine bottle table centerpieces created by Outlook Nebraska associates, and attendees participated in a pick-a-prize raffle. The event raised over $52,000 for Outlook’s enrichment programs, with $19,000 coming through the direct appeal to fund adaptive technology computer and smartphone training for people with limited or no vision.
The 2018 Peter J. Salmon Award Nominee and Outlook Nebraska Associate of the Year, Brian Grams, and James Harvey, 2018 Outlook Nebraska Associate of the Year award recipient, were recognized during the program.
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- Event attendees experience “Dessert in the Dark.”
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- Coach Vera Jones inspires the audience with her story of being a single mother to a blind son
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- Outlook Associate Brian Grams, 2018 Peter J. Salmon Award Nominee and Outlook Nebraska Associate of the Year, receives his award from CEO Eric Stueckrath (R) and Board Chair Mike Anderson (L).
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- Outlook Associate James Harvey, 2018 Outlook Nebraska Associate of the Year, receives his award from CEO Eric Stueckrath (R) and Board Chair Mike Anderson (L).
Outlook Nebraska is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting everyone who is blind and visually impaired. Outlook Nebraska helps anyone dealing with vision loss find the resources they need, learn how to use technology to stay independent, find out about employment opportunities, and stay active through recreation and cultural activities. Outlook Nebraska produces and sells janitorial paper products, and over 75% of associates working in the production facility are legally blind. Learn more about Outlook Nebraska at outlookne.org or contact (402) 614-3331 / info@outlookne.org.