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April 2009 | Issue #16 |
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Meet a Guiding Eyes Graduate
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Allan and Guiding Eyes Rocky
| April graduate Allan Golabek lost his sight in a motorcycle accident when he was in his twenties. At the time, he believed he would have to give up the activities and sports that were an important part of his life.
Allan was wrong. Today, he is a licensed massage therapist and holds a world record in water-ski jumping. He recently traveled to Thailand to spend five weeks studying massage.
Read the inspiring story of how Allan’s Guiding Eyes dogs have helped him rediscover his independence. A Blessing in Disguise.
One of Allan’s many passions is the Goodall Institute, and he’s worked closely with Dr. Jane Goodall on her Roots and Shoots initiative. At Allan’s graduation, the famous primatologist phoned in her congratulations to Allan and his fellow April classmates. Listen to her message on the April graduates page.
Your donation, no matter what size, helps us serve Allan and other courageous blind men and women. You can make a tax-deductible contribution at donate.guidingeyes.org/donate. Thank you.
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Eli and Abby Manning with Guiding Eyes Giant
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Play golf with Eli and change a life
Two fabulous courses, extraordinary Guiding Eyes dogs, and our “super” host Eli Manning combine for Westchester’s most memorable charity golf event.
On June 15, our favorite quarterback returns to host the Golf Classic. Eli Manning’s magic on the football field also works wonders for Guiding Eyes. The enthusiasm from last year’s event is spilling into this year’s event planning, and we’re excited about the large number of early sponsors who have signed on. Join this roster of outstanding Guiding Eyes supporters:
Diamond Sponsor - Entergy
Presenting Sponsor - The Journal News and LoHud.com
Platinum Sponsors - The Canine Fence Company, Kinloch Insurance Services
Gold Sponsor - Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Eukanuba, JP Morgan Chase, Sidley Austin, LLP
Silver Sponsor - Aero Hardware, Avant Business Services, Citibank, DeVito Builders, DIRECTV, Dr. Pepper, Emblem, Paul Holland, Donald J. Matthews, Ken Nilsen, Skanska USA Civil, Inc., The Stewart Family, TBS Shipping, Wilson & Son Jewelers
For information, visit donate.guidingeyes.org/golf or contact Michelle Brier at 914-243-2208 or mbrier@guidingeyes.org.
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This BMW could be yours
| $100 could get you a BMW 128i
Mount Kisco BMW is again the official automobile sponsor of the Golf Classic. Golfers will have the opportunity to win a BMW by making a hole-in-one at either course. However, everyone can get in on the BMW action by purchasing a $100 raffle for the fabulous BMW 128i.
To purchase a raffle, visit donate.guidingeyes.org/raffle.
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Caroline with Guiding Eyes Chicklet
| “Dear Mom and Dad… I believe that we should open our home to a puppy for 16 months.”
Caroline Wetterauw’s period 8 class assignment was to write a letter using the principles of persuasion. This very articulate and clever seventh grader at Conrad Middlesex Middle School used this lesson to convince her parents that she should be allowed to become a Guiding Eyes puppy raiser.
Caroline’s letter did the trick, and today she is raising Chicklet, a black Lab pup.
Read Caroline’s letter.
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New Outdoor Play Area Funded by Planet Dog Foundation
The Planet Dog Foundation has made a $38,000 contribution to build an outdoor kennel run at the Training Center. The new recreation area will provide Guiding Eyes dogs with a new enclosed area in which to romp when they are not being trained.
The new run is an important component of our Kennel Enrichment Program, which is designed to enhance our dogs’ experiences at the Training Center. “Toys” and varied sensory stimuli help our dogs look forward to their time in the kennels.
In honor of Guiding Eyes’ work, Planet Dog is offering a special discount on its outstanding array of dog products. To take advantage of this generous offer, visit www.planetdog.com/guiding_eyes.
On behalf of our volunteers, staff, students, graduates, and dogs - thank you, Planet Dog!
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About Guiding Eyes for the Blind |
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1956 to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and expanded horizons of opportunity. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,000 guide dog teams. It provides superbly bred Guiding Eyes dogs, professional training and follow-up support services to students at no cost to them and depends on contributions to fulfill its mission. The comprehensive cost of breeding, raising, preparing, training, and supporting a Guiding Eyes team is $45,000. Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, New York and the Canine Development Center is in Patterson, New York. Visit us at donate.guidingeyes.org.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind | National Headquarters and Training Center
611 Granite Springs Road | Yorktown Heights | NY | 10598 | |
