Synergies of Philanthropy

By Megan Powers

What an interesting time it is to be working in philanthropy – to get behind a tremendous philanthropic effort. 

My philanthropic spirit got started early, having been involved with the “Dance-A-Thon” at my church for several years, before finally chairing the event in 7th grade. Raising money for “Jerry’s Kids” was an annual thing and one we fully supported, despite the fact that we didn't know anyone who needed to benefit from their research or services. 

Remember those days when people would sponsor you by the hour or by the mile for a walk-a-thon? I felt like it was something I was supposed to do—it was intrinsic to who I was. It’s still who I am today, only now I have different reasons for supporting the charities I support. 

I may work for a charity, but my situation is unique. I was already a volunteer fundraiser for Vision of Children and other vision-related organizations before coming to work here. This isn't because anyone in my life has a vision issue, but because of Delta Gamma. “Service for Sight” is DG's chosen philanthropy, and as I've continued to be involved as an alumna, I have continued to support it. It's through my volunteer work with DG that I was fundraising for VOC and met the founders, Sam and Vivian Hardage. It turns out they also support something else that’s important to me. 

Andria Kinnear, VOC's ED (on left), and I
walked in honor of Vivian in 2012 

My greatest passion outside of vision is the fight against breast cancer. Since 2006 I've been one of the top fundraisers (a “Pacesetter”) for American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in San Diego. In seven years (and counting) I've raised around $25,000. And, while it took some effort, it wasn't hard. What’s hard, is having to battle the disease three times. 

Vivian has battled breast cancer three times and is winning the fight because of tremendous strides that have been made in research. And now, at work, I have the opportunity to not only fundraise for Vision of Children, but also for American Cancer Society. 

The Vision of Children Foundation is holding a fundraiser on December 9th that will benefit our organization AND American Cancer Society. This special event is called “Visions of Success – From Research to Reality,” and will be a Holiday High Tea, held at The Grand Del Mar. The keynote speaker will be Ann Romney – Ann is a breast cancer survivor, health advocate, and dedicated supporter of vision health. She will address the critical need for medical research to cure breast cancer and genetic vision diseases. 

Synergy has become an "office buzzword," but sometimes there is no better word that applies.

These are my philanthropies that will be joined together—a beautiful synergy. What is your philanthropy? What have you—or will you—dedicate yourself to that’s bigger than yourself?



Megan Powers, VOC Director of Development & Communications

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

Kelley on vacation in South Dakota

By Kelley Burr

There's at least one time in our lives that we are told we won't be able to do something. For instance, I recall hearing, “Kelley, if you jump off that couch you will not fly.” Of course, I completely ignored that statement and after a few stellar bruises, realized that gravity was one thing that will never change. Although my multiple attempts at flying failed, my determination never wavered. 

After learning that their child has a visual disorder, families are usually faced with the words “most likely your child will not…” Although frightening, these words are not a statement of fact. Witnessing the accomplishments that so many kids have made with visual impairments is inspiring. They are playing sports, driving cars, and becoming successful adults. Surpassing all odds, they are pursuing their dreams and succeeding. Rather than suffering from visual impairments, they are living with it! 

These children and their families are what inspire The Vision of Children Foundation to continue to pursue their goal of finding a cure for hereditary childhood blindness and vision disorders. We are determined to fix this problem so that children will never have to hear that they cannot do something because of their vision disorder. 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines determination as a “firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end.” Hold on to that determination and you might be surprised at what you will accomplish! 

-VOC Summer Intern, Kelley, is an undergraduate at the University of Northern Colorado, studying Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality. She has headed back to CO for her last year of college and will be missed at VOC!

Learning to See Through His Eyes

Clarence with Mom, Melody, when
he was in kindergarten

There are so many things I have learned through having a visually impaired child that I really don’t know where to begin. Clarence is a handsome, healthy looking 11-year-old boy and very excited to start 6th grade this year. Now, if you pay close attention, you would be able to see there’s something different about him. He plays at recess with his classmates, he loves to play sports, especially basketball, but he can’t always see where the ball is. That’s a snapshot of Clarence--you wouldn't think he had a disability if you just saw him in passing. Funny thing is, sometimes I forget he can’t see very well, especially in low light or dusk, or after a busy day. 

On his church league basketball team 

My son is legally blind due to a neurological vision impairment. This is a condition in which the visual centers of the brain do not process information normally, in his case, due to a brain bleed he suffered at birth. As a result, my son has hemianopsia, which means he has reduced peripheral vision on the right side with both eyes. His eyes also shake from side to side and in a circle--this condition is called nystagmus. This causes him to see images moving or jumping, affecting his depth perception, balance and hand-eye coordination. All of this at times slows him down a bit, but doesn't stop him, and he perseveres. 

Sometimes when I have a challenge before me and am tempted to quit I think of my son and how he figures a way to do whatever he sets his mind to. 

I also learned not only is it okay to ask for help, but that people want to help -- It’s a blessing to be a blessing. His classmates are a wonderful group of kids. Most have been with Clarence since kindergarten and they love him and want to be his helper for the day. 

Goofing around with a friend!

I used to lament when I see a beautiful scenic point or a vibrant rainbow that my son is missing something so special, but he taught me there are different ways to “see.” I have found out that sometimes my vision gets in the way of seeing beauty all around me. Sounds funny doesn't it? But since I can "see" quite well, never needing glasses, I hurry and rush through my day. I can't do that when Clarence is with me; I have to slow down and then I realize how I take my vision for granted and miss out on my surroundings. 

I am learning to view life and the world differently, through his eyes. He has taught me through overcoming the difficulties that come, that there is always an answer. There is always a way. 

Melody Kehres, proud Mom
Bakersfield, CA