PRESS RELEASE: LIGHTHOUSE ADOPTED BY LOCAL PR FIRM

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lighthouse – Sylvia Perez, Executive Director 727-815-0303

Lighthouse a Winner in Charity Adoptions Program

The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind was one of eleven non-profit organizations adopted by the National Strategies Public Relations (NSPR) firm. NSPR is a national public relations agency based in Tampa that was recently named one of the top 25 public relations firms by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. They recently initiated a “Charity Adoption” program which will provide 11 different charities in the Tampa Bay area a month (one a month) of free media relations support throughout 2013.

“Now more than ever, charities need our help. Whether it’s communicating their message, sharing their successes or encouraging donation within the community, other local businesses in a position to do so need to volunteer to help,” said Jennifer Vickery NSPR President and CEO.

Charities in the Tampa Bay area that were interested in the program had to have 501©3 status and submit a 200 word essay about their need for support. There were eleven winners out of a total of more than 50 submissions. The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind was one of those winners with the submission of the following essay.

Imagine if you woke up blind, or your baby/grandchild was blind, or you got a diagnosis of impending vision loss. What would you do? How would it change your life? Well, approximately 100,000 persons are living with this reality every day in Tampa Bay alone. Vision loss can happen at any age and impacts all sectors of the population.

Lighthouse provides free adaptive skills training and services in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus. The mother of one of our blind babies said, “Lighthouse gives me hope that my baby can grow up and live a happy, normal life.” One of our working-aged clients, who we trained and helped find employment, said, “Lighthouse gave me confidence to go back to work.” One of our seniors said, “Lighthouse gave me back my independence, so I can stay in my home.”

According to Sylvia Perez, Lighthouse Executive Director, “…donations help the Lighthouse provide these critical services. A month of free media support from NSPR will help create awareness of our services and the needs of visually impaired persons, as well as generate more donations.”

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little, together … so much.”

About the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind offers free adaptive training for persons who are blind and visually impaired of all ages, living in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. We are partially funded by the Florida Division of Blind Services, the United Way of Pasco and Hernando Counties, and Pasco County Commissioners. We rely on donations to meet the need for service.

Please contact the Lighthouse for more information:
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc.
Pasco: 8610 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668, Phone: (727) 815-0303
Hernando: 6492 California St., Brooksville, FL 34604, Phone: (352) 754-1132
Citrus: Toll free: 1-866-962-5254