Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/517362
MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2015 UCW 7 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM The Vision Resource Center is a unique organization that strives to help the visually impaired in the community. Terri Thomas, the executive director, said, "We are a small, local non-profit for vision-impaired adults and children. We help people who are blind and have low vision. That means that they have some vision, but it might be limited. They can see some things, but they can't drive, its more like legally blind. We help them to socialize and many are dependent on vision to live, so we help them to live more independently. We have classes on things we take for granted." The visually impaired community is often underserved and misunderstood. "There are 600 visually impaired here, and we are serving around 200; so there are still a lot of opportunities out here. That 600 is only those who registered. A lot of people are not willing to say 'I'm blind.' Kids especially are afraid to admit it, they don't want to be laughed at. So our main goal is to make sure they understand that it is okay to be different, it doesn't say anything about you as a person," Thomas said. For many, becoming visually impaired can be a long and terrifying process. The people and volunteers at the Vision Resource Center want to ensure that it is not a journey taken alone. Thomas says, "For people losing their vision it's like the lights are turning off and then it's like, 'What do I do now?' This is where we step in. The optometrist might say 'Here is your diagnosis: You are losing your vision, come back in six months.' Then they are left to wonder, 'Well, what do I do for six months?' We have classes and activities for things we take for granted, things like cooking. But most importantly, they can be around other people like them." This support helps to build self-esteem in people of all ages, build a priceless system of support and friendships. It helps to give people their independence back. The Vision Resource Center also recognizes that there is not one support system that works for everyone; they tailor their support to the individual. "My latest 'Aha!' moment has made my goal to find out what are your needs? Not everybody's thing is the center, dinner, theatre or shopping. I really want to find out how can I serve each individual," Thomas said. The biggest issue that the Vision Resource Center faces in assisting the visually impaired community is funding. One of the ways they are striving to overcome this issue is through the annual 'Out of Sight" Dining Gala. This is a fundraiser for the center. One of the most exciting events during the evening is the actual dinner. "We are going to have something easy to cut. We usually serve a chicken, a vegetable and a potato. It is simple so that those who are blindfolded can eat. The blindfold is for those who choose to partake and see what the clients at the Vision Resource Center go through. It is not mandatory and it is just for dinner. We will have bibs so that people don't have to mess up their pretty dresses while they eat," Thomas said. A silent auction with incredible and varied items is also on tap for the evening. During the event Dan Nelson, the creator of Truman the Dragon, the Kidsville News! mascot and muralist, will paint a piece throughout the dinner, which is the final auction piece up for bid at the end of the event. There are also gift cards to downtown restaurants, a charter fishing trip for (three), a 4-7 day Festiva resort Enjoy the Carolinas vacation, a Comfort Inn weekend stay, golf packages, Swarovski crystals, Topaz 14carat ring and necklace (appraised at $1K each) and much more. One of the highlights of the jewelry section is a certified diamond and sapphire ring. Entertainment is provided by Michael Maclas and Soul Decree. If you cannot attend the gala, donations can be made online and volunteers are always welcome. Thomas encourages involvement, noting that for her, it is very rewarding. "You're a catalyst for change and that is the most beautiful thing in the world," she said. The event, held at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux, is June 5 from 6:30 to 11p.m. Tickets are $75 for singles and $140 for couples. If you choose to stay the night they have a "Take the Elevator Home" room rate for $89. This includes a full breakfast. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. visionresourcecentercc.org or call 482-2719. The Vision Resource Center serves the visually im- paired community. ERINN CRIDER. Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910.484.6200. Out of Sight Dining by ERINN CRIDER 1400 Walter Reed Road, Suite 130 (All American Expressway & Owen Drive) HOURS: M-Sat 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. • Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. 910•867•8700 Authentic Italian Cuisine Authentic Italian Cuisine Join Our Dining Club TEXT "ITALY" to 30321 www.LittleItalyFay.com