Songs for Sight
Submitted by aliebg on Thu, 02/26/2009 - 01:01.
Last updated on Fri, 02/27/2009 - 01:10.
Vital Stats
ongoing project
10/01/2007
10000
200
$300,000.00 with our goal to be $500,000.00
The Problem
As a teenager living with Low Vision, I understand the challenges that have to be faced daily. Many doctors say "no" a lot quicker than they say "yes," especially in the low vision field. In October 2006, I found out from my Low Vision specialist that with the proper training and technology, driving would be a possibility for me. After hearing this, I wanted others to have the same exhilarating experience of hearing a "yes."I founded Songs for Sight to help the Low Vision Community in Alabama, especially the teen and young adult population. Songs for Sight not only helps funding for the expensive, yet necessary low vision devices individuals need to complete everyday tasks; it also funds new optic nerve research projects that will be able to image the optic nerve.
Why It's Important
The organization is holding a multi-media concert at The Alys Stephens Center May 17, 2009. The event is our fundraiser, with 50% of the money going to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Low Vision Rehabilitation Center, and the other 50% to go towards optic nerve research. The funds will create a Low Vision Support Group, provide low vision technology for needy young adults, and provide orientation and mobility services for those with low vision. They will also help jump-start an optic nerve imaging research center to help the doctors have a greater understanding and give them an in depth look at the optic nerve.
The Songs for Sight event that will be held in May is a musical and multi-media event where audience members will actually get to experience low vision. The concert will feature such artists as Sara Evans, Elliot Morris, Grace Potter, Amanda Tapley, as well as three Broadway acts from New York and LA and a gospel choir. We have over 30 corporate sponsors and are hoping to raise between 4 to 500,000 dollars.
The Plan Of Action
In fall 2007, I presented my idea to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Dept. of Ophthalmology. The Head of the department, along with the President of the University, enthusiastically embraced the project.
I organized a Junior Board of Directors who would be our young advocates. They have visited the Low Vision Center and are actively involved with a letter writing campaign to raise funds within the community and beyond.
We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
I attended many community business and charity meetings to present our organization and received a tremendous response. So far we have raised over $300,000.00 with our goal being $500,000.00
Our event will take place on May 17 at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center.
How Can Others Get Involved?
We would welcome other teenagers to join the Junior Board and participate in the letter writing fund raiser. Others can help by promoting the event and becoming more aware of the low vision community. Another meaningful way to help is to view our website, Songsforsight.org.
Project Updates
02/26/09
Update: Read the Birmingham News Article about Songs for Sight
http://songsforsight.org/news/110508.html
Location
Related Causes:
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The Songs for Sight event that will be held in May is a musical and multi-media event where audience members will actually get to experience low vision. The concert will feature such artists as Sara Evans, Elliot Morris, Grace Potter, Amanda Tapley, as well as three Broadway acts from New York and LA and a gospel choir. We have over 30 corporate sponsors and are hoping to raise between 4 to 500,000 dollars. What's your plan of action?: In fall 2007, I presented my idea to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Dept. of Ophthalmology. The Head of the department, along with the President of the University, enthusiastically embraced the project.
I organized a Junior Board of Directors who would be our young advocates. They have visited the Low Vision Center and are actively involved with a letter writing campaign to raise funds within the community and beyond.
We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
I attended many community business and charity meetings to present our organization and received a tremendous response. So far we have raised over $300,000.00 with our goal being $500,000.00
Our event will take place on May 17 at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center.
How Can Others Help?: We would welcome other teenagers to join the Junior Board and participate in the letter writing fund raiser. Others can help by promoting the event and becoming more aware of the low vision community. Another meaningful way to help is to view our website, Songsforsight.org.
Total hours volunteered (to date): 150Start Date: 10/01/2007Money Raised: $300,000.00 with our goal to be $500,000.00
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The Songs for Sight event that will be held in May is a musical and multi-media event where audience members will actually get to experience low vision. The concert will feature such artists as Sara Evans, Elliot Morris, Grace Potter, Amanda Tapley, as well as three Broadway acts from New York and LA and a gospel choir. We have over 30 corporate sponsors and are hoping to raise between 4 to 500,000 dollars.
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I organized a Junior Board of Directors who would be our young advocates. They have visited the Low Vision Center and are actively involved with a letter writing campaign to raise funds within the community and beyond.
We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
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We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
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The Songs for Sight event that will be held in May is a musical and multi-media event where audience members will actually get to experience low vision. The concert will feature such artists as Sara Evans, Elliot Morris, Grace Potter, Amanda Tapley, as well as three Broadway acts from New York and LA and a gospel choir. We have over 30 corporate sponsors and are hoping to raise between 4 to 500,000 dollars.
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We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
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I organized a Junior Board of Directors who would be our young advocates. They have visited the Low Vision Center and are actively involved with a letter writing campaign to raise funds within the community and beyond.
We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
I attended many community business and charity meetings to present our organization and received a tremendous response. So far we have raised over $300,000.00 with our goal being $500,000.00
Our event will take place on May 17 at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center.
How Can Others Help?: We would welcome other teenagers to join the Junior Board and participate in the letter writing fund raiser. Others can help by promoting the event and becoming more aware of the low vision community. Another meaningful way to help is to view our website, Songsforsight.org.
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The Songs for Sight event that will be held in May is a musical and multi-media event where audience members will actually get to experience low vision. The concert will feature such artists as Sara Evans, Elliot Morris, Grace Potter, Amanda Tapley, as well as three Broadway acts from New York and LA and a gospel choir. We have over 30 corporate sponsors and are hoping to raise between 4 to 500,000 dollars. What's your plan of action?: In fall 2007, I presented my idea to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Dept. of Ophthalmology. The Head of the department, along with the President of the University, enthusiastically embraced the project.
I organized a Junior Board of Directors who would be our young advocates. They have visited the Low Vision Center and are actively involved with a letter writing campaign to raise funds within the community and beyond.
We proceeded to find a director and venue, as well as possible event dates and the event artists. Because I have been actively involved in musical theatre in our community and regionally, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many
respected actors, musicians, writers, and directors.
We wrote to prospective performers and over time acquired an impressive list of entertainers that would make the event memorable and impacting.
I attended many community business and charity meetings to present our organization and received a tremendous response. So far we have raised over $300,000.00 with our goal being $500,000.00
Our event will take place on May 17 at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center.
How Can Others Help?: We would welcome other teenagers to join the Junior Board and participate in the letter writing fund raiser. Others can help by promoting the event and becoming more aware of the low vision community. Another meaningful way to help is to view our website, Songsforsight.org.
Total hours volunteered (to date): 150Start Date: 10/01/2007Money Raised: $300,000.00 with our goal to be $500,000.00
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Get some cash to get your project to the next level. Weekly grants are available.
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I'm so excited about this! What an amazing idea!!
I absolutely love this organization! It's so nice to know that something is being done for all those who have been impacted by low vision!
This is a phenomenal organization and all those who are a part of it are so incredible! Keep up the good work!
Songs for Sight is an absolutely amazing project which will impact the lives of so many living with low vision. I'm so excited to be a part of it!!
This is so needed. I have family members that have lost vision. Thanks for a great project!
I cannot wait for this incredible event! The cause, the kids, the singers, the celebrities all will combine for this mission. Finally, this issue is being supported. Now awareness will be raised:)
Songs for Sight is such a worthy cause-people living with vision impairment and blindness are less likely to be employed-partially because they can't get to work. Songs for Sight, by providing the right equipment (including specialized telescopes that can enable people with vision impairment to drive) for those who cannot afford it may help to give hundreds greater independence and opportunities! Insurance never covers these devices, yet they can be life-changing. Our community is so fortunate to have Allie B. and her Junior Board working so hard to make a difference for these young people! Thanks Allie B.!