Guiding Eyes for the Blind Celebrates ‘Salute to Lions Day’ with Two-for-One Challenge Grant

Guiding Eyes for the Blind, known around the globe as one of the foremost guide dog schools, honored Lions Clubs from across the region at the nonprofit’s annual “Salute to Lions Day.” Almost 200 Lions were recognized for their ongoing support, with graduate speaker Ann Chiapetta of New Rochelle thanking the group on behalf of all the blind men and women who have been matched with Guiding Eyes dogs.  The Lions recently launched a Lions/Guiding Eyes Vehicle Project Two-for-One Challenge to help accelerate the replacement of the school's aging vehicle fleet. The challenge will match the Lions members’ $75,000 pledge in order to raise an additional $150,000.

Spearheaded by the Van Tassel Society and in cooperation with Guiding Eyes, the Two-for-One Challenge engages Lions throughout the tri-state area with its fundraising goal. The Van Tassel Society was founded in 1991 and is comprised of local Lions Club members. Its sole purpose is to inspire volunteerism at Guiding Eyes and to support the advancement of the school’s mission and purpose. The Society has also assisted the school’s fundraising efforts and was recently a significant contributor to the renovation of Guiding Eyes’ Canine Development Center.

In addition to the money raised by Lions through public appeals, Guiding Eyes has been awarded a Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) match. LCIF matched the $75,000 pledged by the local Lions. In total, the goal is to raise $300,000 comprised of the $75,000 Lions Clubs pledge, $150,000 in two-for-one matching gifts, and $75,000 from the LCIF.

Guiding Eyes is up for the challenge. “Thanks to the community’s support, we have had tremendous success in meeting or exceeding challenge grant goals,” said William D. Badger, Guiding Eyes’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “Donors are gratified to know that their gifts will go further due to the Lions’ generosity.”

Reliable transportation is essential to fulfilling Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s mission and the purchase of new vehicles has been postponed for over three years due to other funding priorities. Staff must be able to travel to a variety of locations so they can train future guide dogs and blind students in diverse environments. Volunteers and support staff also rely upon these vehicles to assist the school with its programs and services.

For more information on the Lions/Guiding Eyes Vehicle Project Two-for-One Challenge, call 914.243.4348 or email lionschallenge@guidingeyes.org. Checks can be made payable to Guiding Eyes for the Blind and send to the attention of Lions Challenge at 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind: Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit guide dog school founded in 1954. Since its inception, Guiding Eyes has grown to be one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, known for its cutting-edge training programs, commitment to excellence, and dedication to its elite and superbly trained guide dogs. 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. For more info, visit www.guidingeyes.org, like Guiding Eyes on Facebook (www.facebook.com/guidingeyes) or follow @guidingeyes on Twitter.