newportbeachindy . com APRIL 14 , 2023 3
STEPPING OUT
Beyond Blindness Hosts Beeper Easter Egg Hunt at Newport Dunes , Raises $ 255K at Annual Gala
Beyond Blindness Board Chair and Gala Event Chair Carol Trapani , a resident of Newport Beach / photo credit Winnie Angel Photography
By NB Indy Staff
It ’ s been a busy spring for Beyond Blindness ( formerly Blind Children ’ s Learning Center ), a nonprofit with the mission to empower children with visual impairments and other disabilities to achieve their fullest potential . Beyond Blindness serves children throughout Orange County , including Newport Beach .
On Saturday , April 1 , Beyond Blindness held its annal Spring Beeper Egg Hunt at Newport Dunes .
The egg hunts were adapted for all children in attendance , including tactile and beeping eggs . To optimize the egg hunt experience , the egg hunt was broken into multiple rounds , with the first egg hunt starting at 10:30 a . m . and the last at 1:30 p . m .
This inclusive family event included art and sensory activities , a photo booth , a bounce house and opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect .
Beyond Blindness also served lunch for all attendees .
On March 11 , 240 guests joined Beyond Blindness for the sixth annual Vision Beyond Sight Gala , an evening that helped create an even brighter , bolder future for children and families in Orange County . Held at Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin , the event raised nearly $ 255,000 for the nonprofit ’ s mission .
In addition to the gala ’ s signature dining in the dark experience and a performance by Emmy-nominated actor , singer and author Tom Sullivan , this year ’ s entertainment featured three Beyond Blindness alumnae : Twins Kendal and Nikki Lyssy provided an inspirational keynote speech , while Laguna Beach high school senior and professional musician Lily Gabora shared her vocal and piano talents during a cocktail reception in the main dining room .
As the evening ’ s master of ceremonies , board member Jared Moriarty guided attendees through the program ,
which included a presentation of the Dr . Wilhelm de Nijs Vision Award to the Kirchgessner Vision Foundation .
Named after Beyond Blindness ’ founder , the award recognized the foundation ’ s support of pioneering vision research , as well as its contributions of over $ 20 million since inception to organizations and clinics that provide vision screening , adaptive equipment and assistive services to disadvantaged communities .
President and Director Michael Kramer was in attendance to accept the award , sharing how the foundation has grown to have a specific , important purpose that it fulfills by accelerating the impact of local organizations such as Beyond Blindness .
A highlight of the program was the meaningful connection between Kendal and Nikki ’ s keynote speech and Sullivan ’ s 45-minute set , during which he sang and shared the inspirational and humorous story of his journey to the stage .
Like Sullivan , the Lyssy twins overcame a premature birth to thrive , becoming honor society students , attending the University of North Texas , and pursuing their own independent paths for grad school . Today , Kendal is a doctoral student and graduate instructor at the University of Missouri , while Nikki is at the University of South Florida where she is working on her first novel .
“ Beyond Blindness ’ annual Vision Beyond Sight gala underscored the value of early intervention , education and enrichment and family support for children with visual impairments and other disabilities ,” said Beyond Blindness Board Chair and Gala Event Chair Carol Trapani , a resident of Newport Beach . “ The event , and our other fundraising opportunities throughout the year , ensures that children get the care and nurturing they need to lead purposeful and happy lives .”
For more information , please visit www . beyondblindness . org .
Beyond Blindness CEO Angie Rowe and Emmy-nominated actor , musician and author Tom Sullivan on stage at the Vision Beyond Sight Gala / photo credit Winnie Angel Photography
WHERE MEAT LOVERS SHOP
Present this ad in store to redeem 20 % off your next purchase
Visit your local store today
No minimum required
495 E 17th St , Costa Mesa , CA 92627
Offer valid in-store only at Wild Fork Costa Mesa location . Must provide email at the time of checkout to redeem offer . Cannot be used on the purchase of gift cards . Cannot be combined with other offers . Limit one per customer . Offer intended only for recipient of this postcard . Offer expires May 31 , 2023 .