NORTHERN LIGHTS : Guests provide the green for garden party fundraiser
Posted on Sunday, June 8, 2008
ROGERS — The Arkansas chapter of the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments raised more than $ 22, 000 during a tropical garden party May 31 at the home of Karen and John Scholes.
Proceeds came from ticket sales, a silent auction and leis bought for chances to win various items. The money will go toward a July camp for visually impaired toddlers, scholarships, a newsletter and expenses for a regional convention June 21-22 in Bentonville. During the event, $ 2, 000 was given to NAPVI to cover membership for those in the Arkansas chapter, and $ 1, 500 was donated to the U. S. Association of Blind Athletes.
The Scholeses’ 15-year-old daughter Hayley was diagnosed with a visual impairment called retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP, when she was 6 weeks old. She had surgery on both eyes at 2 months. She’s now completely blind in her right eye and has limited vision in her left eye.
In March, the Scholeses discovered the Arkansas chapter of NAPVI, which was founded in 2007 by Patty and Dave Bushland and Shelli Moore. Patty Bushland, vice president of the Arkansas chapter of NAPVI, says the organization guides parents in how to help their visually impaired children “bloom to their full potential.” Karen Scholes says NAPVI is a good source of information for families and provides a support network for parents.
“Yes, there is a future. The future is optimistic,” she says.
The silent auction raised almost $ 7, 000. Popular items included a Super Bowl football signed by Michael Strahan and a year’s supply of Huggies diapers. From the sale of leis, Judy Bryant won a $ 1, 500 diamond necklace from Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry and Sue Spear won a night on the town from Embassy Suites of Northwest Arkansas and Signature Bank of Arkansas.
Fare included a buffet of pulled pork, brisket, fruit and vegetable trays, rolls and salad. Dessert selections included petit fours and a variety of cheesecakes. E. &J. Gallo Winery provided a wine bar. Guests also enjoyed mixed drinks such as margaritas.
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