Helen Keller Services for the Blind

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Events

HKSB Sound & Light Gala Set for Thursday, September 25, 2008

Details here, including a downloadable form for purchasing tickets and tribute journal space.

photos from the Children's Learning Center graduation 2008

HKSB Children’s Learning Center holds 2008 graduation ceremony

With hugs and tears and joy all around, 15 children graduated this June from Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s Children’s Learning Center.

Guest Speaker Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, congratulated the children on their success and that this was only the beginning. Musical performances by the graduates were led by music teacher and local jazz musician Michel Gentile.

The 2008 Graduates included: Armani Baker, Aaliyah Bennett, Leila Coleman, Antoine Gray, Elizabeth Ibyanobor, Mike Israel, Diana Martinez, Chelsea Monderson, Stephan Morales, Mia O’Donoghe, Danial Oliynyk, Quadasia Parham, Rory Parmar and Natalia Pirog.

Lots of photos from the Children’s Learning Center graduation

HKSB Garden City League holds its annual meeting

With more than 30 members in attendance, the Garden City League for Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) held its annual meeting in June at the Orchid Restaurant in Garden City.

At the event, co-presidents Irma Annunziato and Joy Losgar presented HKSB executive director John Lynch with a check for $5,000. The funds raised will be used towards camp sponsorships at Camp Helen Keller—a six-week day camp for blind or visually impaired children ages 4 to 15 that is located on the campus of Farmingdale State College.

Photos from the Garden City League annual meeting

HKSB holds 18th annual Golf Classic

More than 124 men and women attended Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s 18th Annual Golf Classic in June. The golf outing, which raised over $90,000, was held at the Garden City Country Club with a program that included a cocktail hour, buffet, and awards presentation for low gross, low net, long drive and closest to the pin.

Photos from the Golf Classic

photo of the attendees at the Garden City League spring fundraiser

HKSB Garden City League holds its Spring fundraiser

On Thursday, April 17, the Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s Garden City League held its Spring fundraiser at the Garden City Community Church.

The “Dessert, Card & Games Party,” as it was billed, attracted more than 90 ladies from Garden City to play bridge and raise funds for Camp Helen Keller. Camp Helen Keller is a free summer day camp for children, ages 4 to 15, who are blind or visually impaired. It is open to children from Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

The event was organized by past president Ann Wassmer, co-presidents Joy Losgar and Irma Annunziato and Aurora Vinciguerra.

The next bridge party is scheduled for the Fall. For information about the fundraiser or about joining the Garden City League, please call Joy Losgar at 516-437-6326.

Photos from the Garden City League fundraiser

HKSB holds its 31st Annual Wills Luncheon

With a Proclamation reading by none other than Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz himself, Helen Keller Services for the Blind celebrated its 31st Annual Wills Luncheon on April 8. With over 150 in attendance, the event took place at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios, located in the rejuvenated Brooklyn Navy Yard.

photo of the speakers and attendees at the Wills luncheon

During his keynote speech, Borough President Markowitz congratulated this year’s honorees, Brooklyn Congressman Edolphus Towns and Con Ed Chairman & CEO Kevin Burke on their “distinguished work and the efforts to improve the quality of life for all, particularly those in need.”

Currently serving his 13th term, Congressman Towns’ legislative work in education, telecommunications, healthcare, financial services and the environment has earned him numerous awards. Mr. John Lynch, executive director of HKSB, during his presentation of Mr. Town’s award, said that the congressman holds a special place in the agency’s heart as Mr. Towns started out, many years ago, as a mobility instructor for HKSB.

Kevin Burke has worked at Con Edison since 1973 and has held senior positions in system planning, engineering, law, nuclear power, construction and corporate planning. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Mr. Burke managed the company’s massive power restoration work in lower Manhattan.

The Louis C. Wills Award honors the Late Mr. Wills, who was president of the agency when it was known as the Industrial Home for the Blind and served on the Board of Trustees for over 40 years. A community activist, Mr. Wills was an attorney by trade who practiced law until his death in 1975 at the age of 91. HKSB honors the legacy that Mr. Wills left behind by paying tribute to individuals who have a demonstrated record of outstanding commitment to social service, cultural and civic groups.

Photos from the Wills Luncheon

Other News

Helen Keller Services for the Blind mourns the death of Dr. Cyril J. Jones

Dr. Jones, a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees since 1970, passed away April 6.

Dr. Jones will be remembered for his significant contributions to the agency and particularly his efforts for those in need. He was a graduate of Harvard Medical School in 1944.

Dr. Jones is survived by his wife Rose, three children and three grandchildren.

2007 Sound & Light Gala

With over 300 people in attendance, Helen Keller Services for the Blind held its 31st Anniversary Sound & Light Gala on September 27th, 2007 at Cipriani’s 42nd Street to honor two men for their significant and longtime commitment to the people the organization serves—Jim McCann, CEO and Founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, and philanthropist Louis Anzalone.

Read the full news release

Photos from the 2007 Gala