Editor, I am the mom of a child who is a student at the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon. This school has been serving the needs of all children in the state of Georgia with visual and multiple disabilities since 1852. Because GAB is a state school, it does not have the benefit of local tax resources, and budget cuts and constraints have impacted the school tremendously. The Georgia Academy for the Blind Children’s Fund, is funded solely through donations. This fund is nearly depleted. Many vital programs it supports will be drastically reduced or completely eliminated.
I was compelled to step up and help our state school. So I have created “Georgia Casual Week” to help bring awareness and support for this wonderful school, dedicated staff and amazing students. I am very proud to announce that Gov. Sonny Perdue has endorsed this cause and has issued an official proclamation hereby proclaiming that Feb. 9-13 will be “Georgia Casual Week” to benefit the Georgia Academy for the Blind.
GaCasualWeek.org is an employee-choice fundraiser at no cost to the employer, whereby we are encouraging the business community throughout the state to participate. During the week of Feb. 9-13 an employee could choose to dress casually by paying a small donation for the privilege. The proceeds collected would then go to the Georgia Academy for the Blind’s Student Fund. If this concept is not a good fit, there are other ways companies and individuals can help. Please refer to this Web site for all the details: gacasualweek.org.
By engaging in the education and welfare of Georgia’s visually impaired children, the business community has and will continue to benefit from the academy’s outstanding work in educating and creating a better-qualified workforce of independent, tax-paying citizens. We can help support this school and empower these kids to rise above their disabilities and find their rightful place in society. Please visit gacasualweek.org to learn more.
On Jan. 13, I, along with some of the students and friends of the academy, will be personally accepting the “official signed proclamation” from the governor.
It is my hope to reach out to people and businesses throughout Georgia. Let’s not forget about these wonderful children. We have an opportunity to show them how much we care. If you have any questions or would like to talk with me personally, please feel free to contact me at any time.
As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. I really appreciate your help in spreading the word.
Thank you so very much for your help.