Not seeing, but believing

Annual event raises $5,000 for local blind athletes

BY PAUL LEONARD of the VBJ

Despite a lingering economic downturn, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes raised a record $5,000 at its first annual benefit dinner and auction at the Firstenberg Community Center in Vancouver on Friday, March 5.

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The Vancouver-based organization surpassed its fundraising goal with the help of attendees and local business sponsors, including IQ Credit Union, Biggs Beer, Wine and Tobacco and the Vancouver Business Journal.

"It was a great opportunity for our athletes to share their stories and to let the community know what we are all about," said NWABA founder Billy Henry of last week's event.

NWABA offers practice, training and a competitive platform for participants age 13 and up in judo, powerlifting and go-ball, a popular sport for blind and visually-impaired athletes, as well as other activities.

Along with a recently-awarded $2,500 Nike grant, Henry said the money raised last week would go toward NWABA's summer judo camp, go-ball clinic and school outreach programs.

John Bockmier, husband of NWABA board secretary Kris Bockmier, emceed the dinner and silent auction on 48 donated items, all of which sold at the event, according to Henry.

Joining NWABA participants like powerlifting gold medal recipient Rachel Talley at last week's dinner were Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt, Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart and School of Piano Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired executive director Len Ledger.

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