Cheers to Our Supporters for Keeping Kids in Sight: PPV's Sip and Support Fundraiser
Palos Verdes Estates, California -- On November 3, 2024, 65 attendees gathered on the cliffs of Palos Verdes to raise their glasses and raise funding to support the services we provide for hundreds of children with visual impairment and their families.
Donors, Board Members, and guests enjoyed wines from Napa Valley's Jericho Canyon Vineyards, a boutique winery specializing in estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker Nick Bleecher, poured his hand crafted wines that were paired with perfect bites from Critic's Choice catering. Jericho Canyon generously made their wines available for purchase for our attendees, with 30% of the sales going to PPV.
It was a beautiful afternoon along the ocean for this event to recognize the impact of PPV's services on the lives of children with permanent vision loss.
PPV's Founder, Tori Schladen, talked about the unique and specialized services PPV provides, such as access to low-cost or free pediatric eye exams, low vision device demonstrations, psycho-social support, and family events.
"We provide thousands of hours of services to hundreds of children. Every time we sit in on eye exams with families, or speak to a child's school about the services they need, or gather parents together for parent support groups, greet families at events like our Build-A-Bear, LA Phil, and our Movie Event, or have a phone call to reassure parents we are here for them, donor support is what makes it all possible."
Denise Castillo, a mother of two boys with visual impairment, was our featured speaker. She was joined by her 12-year-old son, Noah.
Noah and his 8-year-old brother, Adam, were diagnosed with Juvenile X-linked Retinoschisis, a progressive disease that causes loss of central and peripheral vision. Denise was introduced to PPV through her child's ophthalmologist.
Denise shared that PPV has helped her children excel at home and in the classroom. Noah is a straight-A student and on the principal's list for the second year in a row. Adam has an EVM at school and is one of the higher-achieving students in math.
Denise said that PPV has given her family guidance, resources, low-vision devices, and support to overcome the challenges of vision loss, "All the devices and information provided by PPV have been life-changing for my family. Diane welcomed me with open arms and made me feel relieved. She reassured me that Noah and Adam deserve to live a normal life just like every other child, but with a little extra love and support."
Board Member, Mo Crowley, attended the event with her 12-year-old daughter, Karena, who has received services from PPV for 10 years. Mo talked about how PPV helps address children's individual needs and how the organizations brings families of children with visual challenges together, "It's not just the glasses, it's not just the technology, it's the ability to know about and be part of a community supporting our children and watching them succeed."
The event included a "Stand for Kids" opportunity to contribute toward PPV's comprehensive services at donation levels from $10,000 to $250, which raised $66,000. With the total from ticket sales, silent auction revenue and Jericho Canyon's donation back to PPV for wine sales, over $100,000 was raised for pediatric vision programs that reach over 500 children and families a year.
Join our donor family and donor wall for 2024 by making a donation at any level to help more children like Noah and Adam and their families in need.
Special thanks to Photographer Tony LaBruno for capturing our event. View more pictures below.
PPV Board member Josh Carroll, Diane Christian, Board members Barbra Zukerman and Joanne Peterson, Tori Schladen, Board Member Mo Crowley, Mackenzie Bello-Ponce, Heather Dawson
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