By Suzi Ford, Sales Representative with EXIT Inspired Real Estate in Middleburg, FL
MOMS for Sight, Inc. had another very successful Black Ties & Blindfolds event at Margaritaville Resort Jacksonville Beach. Once again, it was a sold-out event. Those who were inspired last year were quick to grab tickets before they were gone. The MOMS for Sight, Inc. event committee knocked it out of the park this year!
Out in the courtyard and oceanside, it kicked off with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and music by Hearing Pans Sound for All. We took photos and scoped out the great selection of silent auction items. We then went inside for the program. The speakers were even more amazing than last year’s impressive lineup. We heard from three blind guest speakers:
Dr. Emily Townsend Cobb is a physical therapist who specializes in pediatrics and women’s health. She earned her B.S. in Exercise Science from Florida State University in 2012, and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in 2015; becoming the first blind doctor of physical therapy in the United States.
Brendon Cavainolo was diagnosed at three months old with X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis. He had a dream as a young boy to become a rocket scientist. He is considered “legally blind.” He is a PhD student in the Computational Fluids and Aerodynamics Laboratory at the University of Central Florida (UCF). He studies Aerospace Engineering and has a M.S. and B.S. in the same field. Recently, as a Graduate student, Brendon received the highest honor bestowed by UCF, The Order of the Pegasus. He is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship recipient.
Meredyth Mason was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 32 and became legally blind in 2015 at 42 years old. She recently became a guide dog user and loves her newfound independence and companionship. Currently, Meredyth passionately commits her time in three areas: 1. working part time in marketing consulting, 2. disability advocacy, and 3. adaptive sports. She is self-employed and focuses her professional career supporting the military and national security. Her advocacy within the disability community Includes guest lecturing at universities as well as mentoring individuals in underrepresented populations.
Adriann Keve, the local Foundation Fighting Blindness Chapter President, taught us how to navigate our food and drink. Blindfolds were provided to all attendees. The majority of the attendees at least attempted to feel the impact of daily living skills without sight. It was extremely enlightening.
We heard from the Black-Tie level sponsors, including myself. Nearly half of the attendees and the donations for the event were from our very inspired supporters there to help make a difference in the mission to cure blindness. Four generations of my family have been affected by choroideremia. Our story, and the truly loving and caring support of my Broker Owners, Michael Wright and Jeanne Beland Scholl, warmed the hearts of everyone. We call it sharing EXIT LOVE.
A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. Through the Spirit of EXIT Charitable Program, EXIT offices and associates can raise money for local, approved, registered charities and apply to EXIT’s head office to have those funds matched from the company’s pool of funds. Suzi and her team of professionals raised $6,164.08, which EXIT’s head office was proud to match, for a total donation of $12,328.16 for MOMS for Sight, Inc. This is the 4th time Suzi and the Spirit of EXIT have worked together to support this worthy cause.
MOMS for Sight, Inc. proudly announced that they have outgrown the venue and will be increasing attendance for 2024. What an inspiring evening indeed!
