The Grand Rapids Lions Club hosted the 4th Annual Blind Dinner Date, “Life Without Limits,” on March 5, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Grand Rapids.

“Life Without Limits” 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. 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 Chair

The “Dr. Mark Sheldon Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Dr. Dennis Cobler.  

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 Ken and Ruth VanProoyen honoring years of dedicated service.

The Vision in Action Award was presented to Sue Fink, for years of dedicated service.

Anne Baird

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