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Community Corner

Lions Clubs Complete Milestone in Lions/Guiding Eyes Vehicle Project Two-for-One Challenge.

Area Lions Clubs  and Guiding Eyes for the Blind have completed a major milestone  in the GEB Vehicle Project  Two-for-One Challenge with  approval of a  $75,000  matching funds request from Lions Clubs International.   The Lion/Guiding Eyes fundraising project has now achieved  over 75%  of its  total fundraising goal of $300,000.

 “Our students come from around the world,”  explains  Sue Dishart, GEB  -  VP for Development and Marketing.  “We  need to get incoming students  from local airports and train stations  to our Yorktown campus,  and then to appropriate  environments  for them to train.” 

“We really appreciate the support of the Lions.  Along with clubs throughout the tri state area,   we have received  donations from  Lions Clubs as far away as  Kansas and Arizona,.”

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Led by theVan Tassell Society, a group of local  Lions dedicated  to increasing volunteerism at the guide dog school,   Lions  Clubs  raised   $75,000.    Guiding Eyes   asked  supporters and patrons to  raise an additional   $150,000   ---  the   Two-for-One Challenge.  

 The  Lions  took the project one step further, applying  to Lions Clubs International for a  $75,000 matching grant,    bringing the total  to $300,000.     “Donors are gratified to know that their gifts will go further due to the Lions’ generosity,”  said William D. Badger, Guiding Eyes’ President and Chief Executive Officer. 

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Guiding Eyes took delivery of the first vehicle early this summer, and is  planning to introduce the second vehicle at the beginning  of the fall.    “This will help us to better support our  blind students, as well as the students in our Heeling Autism program,” said Ms. Dishart.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit guide dog school founded in 1954.   In 2008, the school launched Heeling Autism, a service dog program designed to provide safety and companionship for children on the autism spectrum.   Guiding Eyes provides all of its services at no cost, and is dependent upon contributions to fulfill its mission. The organization’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and its Canine Development Center is in Patterson, N.Y.   Donations  can be made  to Guiding Eyes for the Blind and send to the attention of Lions Challenge at 611 Granite Springs Road.  Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.   For additional information, call 914-245-4024.

Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Its 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs are serving communities in 207 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.  For information on Lions Clubs in the Westchester/Rockland/Putnam area, contact Lion Public Relations Co-Chair Carl  Anderson at LionCAA11@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 




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