North Central Sight Services Inc., has officially launched its Diamond Anniversary year, announcing an exciting year that celebrates the values of the agency – employment, prevention, and independence. North Central Sight Services was established in 1957 as the Lycoming County Association for the Blind, which manufactured rubber door mats from recycled automobile tires, and performed subcontract work for local businesses. The agency has since evolved into a pillar of service in the local community, dedicating its efforts to the blind and visually impaired in six counties within North-Central Pennsylvania.
“Over the course of our rich 60-year history, North Central Sight Services has remained true to its mission – Provide exceptional programs, services and employment to the blind and visually impaired, as well as excellent education, prevention services and products to all customers,” says Robert Garrett, President and CEO of North Central Sight Services. “It is with great excitement that our team enters this Diamond year of celebration and reaffirms our solid commitment to the communities we serve.”
To kick-off the celebrations, a vignette series will be launched on social media using #NCSS60. These short-form retrospective videos will highlight how North Central Sight Services has impacted the community over the past sixty years. Ultimately these videos will be featured on the new ncsight.org, launching in August 2017. This new website will provide more resources for the community and be accessible to all viewers.
Annual events slated for 2017 will include some unique features to celebrate this Diamond Anniversary. Mark your calendars for the following signature events.
Dining in the Dark – This annual event will be held on March 18, 2017 at Le Jeune Chef on the campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology. Students at Le Jeune Chef work closely with the North Central Sight Services team to create an evening unlike any other. All guests are guided to their seats and served dinner completely blindfolded. This allows participants to understand in a very small way, and for a short period of time, what daily life can be like for someone who is blind or visually impaired.
Annual Celebration – North Central Sight Services is privileged to have such wonderful community supporters. Each year in April, NCSS honors those dedicated supporters and friends at a celebration and awards ceremony. This year a timeline display illustrating the evolution of NCSS will be featured for community members to enjoy.
Lions Journey for Sight 5K Walk – Join the NCSS team on May 7, 2017 to enjoy a day of friends and fun. Proceeds are returned to the community through rehabilitation services, prevention of blindness services, and employment for the blind and visually impaired.
Golf for Sight Tournament – This fundraiser brings local businesses together for an afternoon of fun and philanthropy. Teams engage in some friendly competition while supporting the mission and vision of North Central Sight Services. This year’s event will be played on Friday, June 2nd at the Wynding Brook Golf Club in Milton.
Garrett goes on to say, “It has been a wonderful and exciting opportunity for me to have been involved with NCSS since 1974. Over that time, I have experienced incredible change, growth and a culture dedicated to serve people who are blind.”
Updates and more detailed information on all of these activities can be found on ncsight.org. Also, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates throughout the year.