The Grand Rapids Lions Club hosted the 2nd Annual Blind Dinner Date, “Through the Eyes of a Child,” on March 1, 2007 at 6:00 PM at the University Club in downtown Grand Rapids.

“Through the Eyes of a Child” allows the Grand Rapids Lions to highlight local programs and people that help children who live with vision loss, such as those listed below.

Dr. Paul Ponchillia

Dr. Mark Sheldon and Dr. Patrick Droste

All monies raised benefit:

• Cherry Street Health Services Vision Clinic
• Early vision program for children at Ken-O-Sha
• Youth programs at the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired
• Welcome Homes outreach program
• Grand Rapids Lions Community Foundation

David Hooker, Honorary Cha

The first “Dr. Mark Sheldon Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Dr. Sheldon at this event.  

The award is given to an individual who has made vision improvement and vision loss elimination their passionate life’s work both inside and outside their profession.  Their dedication and unselfish contributions have made very positive impact in reducing avoidable blindness especially with those from economically challenged parts of our community.   

The Visionary of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Gary Anderson, honoring his years of dedicated service.

The Vision in Action Award was presented to Ann Hemming, for her years of dedicated service.

Anne Baird

Ann Hemming

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many sponsors who make this event possible. We would like to thank our honorary chairs, speakers, presenters, and film makers.

We would also like to whole-heartedly thank everyone who attended, and we hope you bring a couple friends when you come back next year.With your support, we are able to fulfill our mission to serve the blind and visually impaired in our community.　　

Thank you!

Dr. Dennis Cobler and Dr. Gary Anderson

Visual highlights from the evening are courtesy of Tiberius Images.　　

If you wish to see more or learn how you can order pictures, please visit the Tiberius website.

Event Photography by Grand Rapids Photographer - Tiberius Images