“A Visionary Evening” at Club Collette in Palm Beach

Posted by New York Social Diary

Lighthouse Guild, the leading not-for-profit vision and healthcare organization dedicated to addressing the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired, illuminated the Palm Beach social season with “A Visionary Evening” at Club Collette in Palm Beach on February 23, 2107.

The sold-out event attracted nearly 200 guests who honored the beloved mother-daughter duo and philanthropic leaders, Frannie Scaife and Jennie Scaife. Arlene Dahl served as Honorary Chairman; Grace Meigher, Kit Pannill, Mario Nievera and Travis Howe served as Dinner Dance Co-Chairmen.  The evening’s “Young Visionaries” Co-chairmen were Wyatt Koch, Christopher Brainard and Michelle Farmer.

Mark G. Ackermann, Lighthouse Guild Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, welcomed guests and introduced Dr. Alan R. Morse, Lighthouse Guild President and Chief Executive Officer, who spoke about several exciting national initiatives to serve the growing number of people who are visually impaired, including one in Palm Beach County, where Lighthouse Guild is collaborating with local libraries to provide free access to Bookshare®, largest online library of accessible ebooks for people with vision loss.  Chairman of the Board James M. Dubin acknowledged the contribution and dedication of the event chairmen and committee members, and lauded the extraordinary philanthropic efforts of Frannie and Jennie Scaife, and the Scaife Family Foundation.

The presentations concluded with an announcement by Frannie Scaife about a generous gift made by the Scaife Family Foundation to Lighthouse Guild for the expansion of programs and services for individuals and veterans of all ages with vision loss, physical disabilities and other special needs.  Lighthouse Guild currently has a wonderful collaboration with the Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs, and both organizations draw upon each other’s expertise to increase independence for the visually impaired.

In celebration of the collaboration with the Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs, the evening featured a special appearance by celebrity canine and service dog in training; Charlie, NBC TODAY Show’s “Puppy with a Purpose”, accompanied by his mobility instructor, Olivia Poff, from America’s VetDogs.  The pair flew in from New York to help raise awareness about Lighthouse Guild’s vision and health care services for people who are blind and visually impaired.

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