| FBC fundraiser breaks record |
Founded in 1952 by parents of blind children, the nonprofit Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is dedicated to helping blind and visually impaired children, adults and their families lead lives of independence and dignity through training, assistive technology, education, counseling and communication.
 Emily Andera, a former FBC student and daughter of FBC Board Member Maureen Andera, plays with one of the live auction puppies being held by donor Dr. Chris Snodgrass during the Nov. 3 Night for Sight fundraising dinner and auction (submitted photo). More than 150 framed photographs featuring many of the Foundation for Blind Children’s preschoolers decorated the lavish tables throughout Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse Nov. 3 for the Night for Sight event, which raised $1,039,000 to benefit the many children and families who take part in the programs offered at the Foundation. Auctioned photos included 4-year-old Lilly Almodova showing off her doll during “circle time;” Michael Gomez, 4, carefully touching a tactile story book; and one of the youngest FBC preschool students, 3-year-old Malia Suhr, playing with the keyboard. These pictures allowed guests to see first-hand the faces of children that will directly benefit from their charitable donations and participation in the night’s festivities. The evening consisted of entertainment by world-acclaimed pianist Scott McIntyre, who is legally blind, cocktails, silent and live auctions, dining at Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse, presentation of awards and a surprise visit from Phoenix Suns Guard Steve Nash during the live auction. Nash signed a painting of himself and assisted in auctioning off the item along with offering a private lunch with the winning bidder. Walt Brown Jr. of Diversified Partners stood up to encourage guests to further their generosity toward the Foundation as he announced his decision to match any monetary donations given during the sweeps portion of the evening. “Our guests were treated to the best food, atmosphere, service and fun of any Valley fundraiser,” said Mark Dewane, president of the FBC’s Board of Directors. “We broke the mold for ways to raise money for FBC.” John Langbein, president of Ticket Exchange and recipient of the FBC’s Visionary Award—the organization’s highest individual honor—said, “This award has significant meaning to me because the Foundation for Blind Children has such a special place in my heart. The past decade in which I have been involved with FBC has been both meaningful and memorable. Every time I walk through the halls of FBC, I see teachers actively engaged with children. Every new family I meet has a story to tell about how FBC gave them hope when they needed it most. This is an organization with heart.” For more information, visit www.the-fbc.org.
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