Update -- August 2025:

The next two hundred balls have arrived and just as fast, they are leaving. In July DBVI hosted an event at JMU for students who are contemplating going to college or technical schools. Students from all over the state attended and spent the week navigating the campus, sampling classes, and living in the dorms. PCC John Knepper handed out balls to students that had not received them at other events. By the end of the week, I joined them with their parents to discuss opportunities with Lions and Leader Dogs for the Blind.

One mother came to me after the final event on Saturday to say thank you to the clubs that sponsored her son’s ball. She also told me that she wanted to join that club and begin to pay it forward.

This is just one example of how we are touching the lives of those who are blind and visually impaired, one ball at a time. With your help, we will continue to provide these balls and to make connections with their families.

In August, DBVI is hosting a summer camp at Camp Easter Seals outside of Roanoke. 47 children from all over Virginia will receive balls at the end of the week, before returning home.

When a ball is given to a youth, they also receive a letter telling them who is sponsoring their ball. It is our hope that they will reach out to the sponsoring clubs or to say thank you. I have seen several of them writing thank you cards at past events.

100 years ago Helen Keler challenged us to be her “Knights for the Blind”.  Let’s continue to be Knights for the Blind to these youth as they learn to be independent and unstoppable.