Art in the Dark gala raises funds to bring solutions into sight

Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center held its seventh annual gala titled Art in the Dark March 23 at Michael's On East. With 150 guests in attendance, the atrium was decorated with hanging lanterns in an array of colors.

"We are grateful to be part of Lighthouse where solutions can help bridge the gap between losing vision and living with vision loss," said board member and co-chair Dr. Philip Ames. With his wife, Veronika, and many volunteers, they designed an evening that included cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and a live paddle raise to raise both money and awareness.

Lighthouse CEO, Alex Elman Foley said she was appreciative for the support, for it helps the organization provide the tools people with vision loss need to get their lives back. 

Local artist Margaret Feingold graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1948, and taught art at Wilkinson Elementary School for 27 years. An art education major who still has her distinct native Rhode Island dialect, Feingold lost her vision to macular degeneration (MD). "I can no longer teach art, or even paint because I can't see, and I am supporting Lighthouse by donating several of my oil paintings that we have turned into giclée prints," she said.

The work that Lighthouse provides helps to bring a new sense of life to those with low vision, and the original intent of the founders in 1985 was to provide services to assist blind and visually impaired adults. Over the years services have expanded, and five counties are covered: Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte and Highlands. Lighthouse programs and services have reached thousands of children, youth, adults, and seniors, and is the only nationally accredited, not-for-profit organization providing rehabilitation training at no cost to blind and visually impaired individuals.