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  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Our Stories
    • Our Team
    • Upcoming Events
    • In the News
    • Newsletters
    • Collaborative Partners
    • Public Reporting
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Contact
  • Programs
    • Global Infant Development
    • Bright Visions
    • Weekend Enrichment
    • Youth Outreach
    • Therapy Services
    • Supporting Services >
      • Orientation & Mobility
      • Counseling
    • Refer A Child
  • How to Help
    • Give >
      • Donations
      • Legacy
      • Monthly Donor Club
      • Wishlist
      • Donate Your Car
    • Events >
      • Dr. Frank Villalobos Fall Golf Classic >
        • 2020 Golf Sponsors
        • 2019 Golf Sponsors
      • Walk
      • Vision Beyond Sight
    • Partners >
      • Corporate Supporters
      • Foundations
      • Community Organizations
    • Volunteer
  • Blog

You are supporting new beginnings every day at Blind Children’s Learning Center

1/6/2021

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Each one is unique, but families often share the same emotions shortly before their arrival: hopelessness, fear, and confusion. “Maddie was missing all her milestones. What services would she need?” remembers her mom, Michelle. “Has anyone else gone through this? What are all these acronyms? Who can help us?”


Other parents like Chris recall neighborhood kids developing so much faster than his daughter, Sabrina. “It felt so unfair.”



Swirling emotions began for Kristin well before she learned of her son’s visual impairment. While pregnant, genetic testing confirmed Charlie shared the same rare diagnosis that proved fatal to her late brother. “Oddly, I felt hopeful because at least I had a diagnosis and treatment options.” That was before Charlie flatlined for 30 minutes during surgery and brought Kristin to her knees. “The ensuing damage left Charlie with a visual impairment and needs much greater than we had planned.”

Every child and family face different circumstances, but you can help them find the same thing at BCLC – hope for a brighter future. 

Relief washed over Kristin when BCLC specialists sat down and listened to her articulate Charlie’s needs before developing a care plan. “Other places didn’t give me the chance to share that. I went from being terrified he would be left behind, to knowing Charlie would be included in everything.” With an action plan in place, Charlie, Sabrina, and Maddie could each begin a journey of their own towards a happier tomorrow:
  • At 23 months of age, Charlie’s development is advancing after enrolling in his toddler classroom and speech therapy in August. Kristin remarks, “He finally said, ‘Mama’, three weeks into class. He’s more joyful on school days.”
  • Sabrina began early intervention services in February at 10-months. From in-person services, to virtual services, and then back to on-site learning, she has leaped forward every step of the way. Parents Chris and Claudia share, “Sabrina is processing more visually, reaching for and grasping objects with more accuracy, and making friends. We feel like we hit the jackpot.”
  • Maddie, age 5, has received services at BCLC since she was a toddler. She learned the entire Braille alphabet during quarantine, but what her mom celebrates most is, “Maddie is comfortable with who she is. She understands her limitations but has learned to focus on what she can do. When possible, she loves to help her friends.” 
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January Update

2/3/2020

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Tickets are going fast for Vision Beyond Sight, a dining in the dark experience featuring Kodi Lee.

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The most unique dining experience in Orange County is back. Vision Beyond Sight, a dining in the dark experience, will unite business elites, community members and BCLC supporters at Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, CA on February 27, 2020.

​This year's event features a musical performance by the remarkable Kodi Lee, BCLC Alum and America's Got Talent Champion. Vision Beyond Sight is an immersive evening that provides a glimpse of what a child who is blind or visually impaired experiences every day while illuminating a hopeful path forward. By dining together, we create hope for hundreds of children who are blind and visually impaired and their families!

Location:
Marconi Automotive Museum
1302 Industrial Dr, Tustin, CA

Time:
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Evening Highlights
Immersive lights out dinner
Blind wine tasting
Cocktail hour
Musical performance by Kodi Lee
Reserve your space today

In the Community

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This past month, Blind Children's Learning Center was honored to receive a multi-year pledge from the Pacific Life Foundation. The foundation and the Pacific Life Good Guys continue to enable our children and families to overcome barriers posed by visual impairments and other disabilities.

The Center is grateful to receive recent support from the following institutional partners:
O.L. Halsell Foundation – early intervention services and family counseling
The Sunshine Foundation – early intervention services and family counseling
Wallace Air Cargo Group – general operating support
Crean Foundation – general operating support


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Our students recently went on a field trip to the Orange County Zoo and learned about different animal species. Back in the classroom, students re-enforced concepts alongside sighted peers.

A combination of multi-sensory and real world experiences help children build confidence to explore highly social settings. Learning alongside sighted peers in an inclusive setting creates more opportunities for friendships and encourages all kids to reach for the stars.

Student Spotlight

Help us wish BCLC student Maxen Mainwaring good luck as he prepares to compete in the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation Pan Kids Championships on February 8.

Maxen receives one-on-one instruction from a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and white mobility cane training as part of our Youth Outreach program. He will most likely be the only blind competitor at the championship!

Maxen enjoys participating in jiu-jitsu because he can compete without relying on sight. Jiu-jitsu allows him to gain discipline and a healthy competitive spirit, proving that our kids can accomplish just about anything!

Good luck to Maxen. We can't wait to see how well
​you do!
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Thanking our 2020 Vision Beyond Sight Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
The Thompson Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors
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​The Konopisos Family
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Silver Sponsors
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​Timothy and Michelle Dean
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​Carol Trapani
Bronze Sponsors

​Barbara Alvarado

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Exclusive Underwriters
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​Lynda Perry
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Vision Beyond Sight 2020 Date Announced!

1/17/2020

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You are cordially invited to Blind Children's Learning Center's third annual Vision Beyond Sight, a dining in the dark experience.

Featuring a musical performance from Kodi Lee,
America's Got Talent 2019 Champion and Blind Children's Learning Center Alum

Thursday, February 27, 2020
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm*
Due to high demand for this event, we highly encourage a prompt RSVP.
Purchase Tickets
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The third annual Vision Beyond Sight is an immersive evening that provides a glimpse of what a child who is blind or visually impaired experiences every day while illuminating a hopeful path forward. By dining together, we create hope for hundreds of children who are blind and visually impaired and their families!

Location:
Marconi Automotive Museum
1302 Industrial Dr, Tustin, CA
Enjoy the stunning $30 million classic car collection!

Time:
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Dinner begins at 6:30 pm

Evening Highlights
Immersive lights out dinner
Blind wine tasting
Cocktail hour
Musical performance

Tickets: $150 each
Table: $1,250

RSVP
February 18, 2020, or until maximum capacity is met.

*VIP Reception, Meet-and-Greet Opportunity with Kodi Lee at 5pm
Ticketed guests who have contributed $5,000 and above since July 1, 2029, and everyone who fulfills a new pledge of $5,000 or above by the time of event check-in will receive two tickets for this exclusive opportunity. Please contact kevin.fuhrmann@blindkids.org for details.
Join the Experience
Sponsors
Thank you to our Vision Beyond Sight 2020 sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
The Thompson Family Foundation
Gold Sponsors
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The Konopisos Family

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Silver Sponsors
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Timothy and Michelle Dean

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Carol Trapani
Bronze Sponsors
Barbara Alvarado
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Exclusive Underwriters
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 Lynda Perry
Sponsorship opportunities still available.
Please contact Kevin Fuhrmann, Director of Development, at kevin.fuhrmann@blindkids.org 
​or (714) 573-8888 ext. 4122.
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With You We Can #SeeStrong

1/8/2020

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Thanks to you, we exceeded our holiday giving goal by raising over $130,000!
Thank you for making sure that every child can #SeeStrong in 2020!

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We are amazed and grateful for your generous support of children with visual impairments, other disabilities, and their families.

Thank you for helping provide critical services so every child can learn and thrive:
  • Home-based early intervention for newly-diagnosed babies and toddlers
  • One-on-one instruction in Braille, white cane mobility training, and other adaptive techniques
  • Therapeutic services to expand communication skills and help children meet critical milestones that are made harder by visual impairments
  • Counseling services for the whole family to build resilience and hope

Again, THANK YOU!
Blind Children's Learning Center wishes you a healthy and happy New Year!
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Year-End Campaign #SEESTRONG

12/13/2019

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"When our son Jayden was born, we were given very low expectations for his quality of life. But with faith, we take it day by day. Jayden has improved so much, and it's all thanks to Blind Children's Learning Center.

Textures were very difficult for him, so we'll never forget the smile on his face when he first went to the beach and felt sand. He was so happy! From that day on, my husband and I have had more confidence in the future for our son."

​-Diana, mother of Jayden
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This holiday season, we need your help raising $100,000 to help more children and families #seestrong in 2020.
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We've already raised $34,330 to support a record a number of families. Will you help out today?

Your year-end gift will make sure 2020 is full of new opportunities for children to learn, adapt and thrive.

give strength today!

Thanks to supporters like you, all three of the Jaber children are living life to the fullest. This remarkable family credits Blind Children's Learning Center for giving their three children with visual impairments a strong start in life.

The parents never thought their three children would do activities like skiing, swimming and traveling, but thanks to the strong foundation they gained at Blind Children's Learning Center, they can!

“We’ve been strong. With the support we’ve had here, everything is possible." 
-Omar Jaber, father
read more about the jaber family
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Your Holiday Gift Strengthens
Children and Families All Year Long!

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Your donation makes these critical services possible:
  • In-home intervention for newly-diagnosed babies and toddlers
  • One-on-one instruction in Braille and Mobility training
  • Occupational therapy to solve day-to-day problems
  • Speech and language pathology to expand communication skills
  • Physical therapy to increase balance and strength
  • Counseling services for the whole family to build resilience and hope

learn more
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Thank You for Raising $12,533 This #GivingTuesday!

12/6/2019

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What an amazing start to our year-end season of giving!

You are helping families like the Jabers to overcome the obstacles of vision loss and build full, happy lives. Your gift provides practical tools and a specialized education so every family can #seestrong.

This holiday season, we hope to raise $100,000 so we can give more children with visual impairments the ability to persevere and thrive.

​Throughout December, we will be sharing lots of inspiring stories of how our families #seestrong because of your generous support.

Thank you for making #GivingTuesday a success and for helping families be STRONG!

Support more families today!
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Mark your calendars: special holiday performance!

11/13/2019

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Free Holiday Event Thursday, November 21

Please join us for a
Special Holiday Performance 
and
Thanksgiving Meal

Featuring:
The American Pacific Ballet Company
performing songs and pieces from Frozen!

November 21, 2019
5:30PM-7:00PM 

Hosted at Blind Children's Learning Center
18542 Vanderlip Ave Ste B, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Your entire family is welcome to join us for this special evening which includes a full Thanksgiving dinner and dance performance. 

Space is limited. Please RSVP by November 15, 2019
RSVP by replying to this email or texting Dalit Bruchstein at (714) 642-7057
with the size of your party.
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October Update

10/30/2019

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YPO Members Face Fears for Children Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired

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Left to Right: Dianne Markis (General Manager of Marriott Irvine Spectrum Hotel), Ivo Tjan (Chairman and CEO of CommerceWest Bank), Bob Olson (CEO of RD Olson Development and owner of the Marriott Irvine Spectrum Hotel), Scott Shainman (President of Getac).
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On October 17, 2019, Young Presidents Organization California Coast (YPO) gathered more than 30 local Orange County executives at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum for a unique opportunity to face their fears, and it was all in support of Blind Children’s Learning Center. Keynote speaker Patrick Sweeney (The Fear Guru) inspired members to identify moments of fear and transform them into moments of opportunity. 

Executives and their spouses then put concept into action by rappelling down the 17-story Marriott Irvine Spectrum. In partnership with Blind Children’s Learning Center, participants celebrated by personally donating over $10,000 to help children with visual impairments and their families in Orange County face their own fears.

Ivo Tjan, CEO of CommerceWest Bank, explained the collaboration: “As YPO members, it is our belief that the world needs better leaders and we strive to make meaningful impacts on lives, businesses, and the world. We had the opportunity to help make an impact by facing fear and rappelling for a good cause. We wanted to support Blind Children’s Learning Center because they help so many families face the fear of the unknown about their child’s visual impairments.”

"We pride the Marriott Irvine Spectrum hotel for being in the center of the action in Orange County, “ said hotel owner Bob Olson, Founder and CEO of R.D. Olson Development. “Bringing YPO and Blind Children's Learning Center together was an additional opportunity to be at the center of innovation, conquering fears, and making a positive difference in the community." 

Thank you, YPO Members, for helping our students and families build brighter futures!

Celebrating Brave Steps of Independence

We are so proud of senior high school student Jasmin for meeting her goals in her Orientation and Mobility (O&M) sessions. She and her O&M specialist Mari have been building independence one step at a time by practicing at school and out in the community.

“With her mobility cane, Jasmine is now able to walk independently for about four to five blocks,” celebrates Mari. “I’m so encouraged to also see her using skills we have worked on to safely cross high-volume signal-light intersections.”

It takes years of practice, patience and a whole lot of bravery before these young students are ready to navigate new environments like this on their own. Way to go, Jasmin!
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Another big "Thank YOU!" to the golfers, friends and sponsors for supporting students like Jasmin at the Dr. Frank Villalobos Fall Golf Classic on October 14.

The tournament raised more than $86,000 to provide Braille and low vision instruction, white cane mobility training, and individualized academic support to preschool through 12th grade students in Orange County.

build independence today

More Support for our Students

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Corporate volunteer teams really stepped up for BCLC students in October! Many thanks to these teams for making a difference to children who are blind and visually impaired:
  • The UPS team (and our very own board member Rosia Bruno) spent a morning at BCLC creating portable light-boxes for in-home families and brightening the executive office with a fresh coat of paint.
  • Experian and Fluor employees helped Braille early childhood books at their home offices, providing our students with a wider range of reading material.

October Happenings

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In honor of Blindness Awareness Month in October, Mattel recently released Uno Braille. The new edition makes this popular card game more widely accessible for the more than 7 million blind and low-vision Americans in the U.S.

“We are proud to be making UNO more accessible and inclusive to even more families,” said Ray Adler, Global Head of Games at Mattel. The game is being sold at local Target stores.
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Blind Children's Learning Center hosted "White Cane Safety Day" at Pretend City Children's Museum of Orange County on October 15. Children enjoyed trying a mobility cane to explore a small area of the museum with their eyes closed. The activity built empathy, increased understanding of the challenges our students face, and was also fun!
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We were delighted when young sisters Cammy and Lily (along with their mom Marcie) stopped by our office with a small donation they had earned by baking cookies and selling them to neighbors. The girls also brought hand-made friendship bracelets to give to students. So sweet!
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September Update

9/27/2019

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Congrats to BCLC Alumnus and America's Got Talent Champion,
​Kodi Lee!

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We are so proud of BCLC Alumnus Kodi Lee, who won the hearts of America's Got Talent fans and took home the
1 million prize on September 18.

His mother Tina was instrumental in his victory, and says the competition was truly a life-changing opportunity for Kodi and their whole family.

So what's next for the talented performer?
"Kodi would love to have a grand piano in every color possible," says Tina. "But more importantly, he would love to collaborate with other great musicians and bring love to the world through music and entertainment ... he would continue to achieve his lifetime goal of being a professional musician for as long as he can."
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Inspirational Comments on Kodi's Win:
  • "This is what I call fighting against all odds and emerging victorious, you are a role model for millions and millions....."
  • "Kodi is teaching everyone not to judge the outside and listen and think with our hearts."
  • "Standing ovation to the work, dedication, patience involved by Kodi and all family members. They all deserve this win."

Watch Kodi's Grand Finale performance

Celebrating You!

A group of Blind Children's Learning Center supporters gathered on September 19 to celebrate program highlights from the past year and meet new Executive Director, Angie Rowe. Hosted by CBRE Newport Beach, guests had time to mingle before hearing powerful parent testimony from Jackie and Zach Mullins on how services have helped change the course of their two-year-old daughter Zoe's life.

We're so thankful for all of our supporters! Together we truly make a difference to children who are blind and visually impaired in Orange County.
Support today
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Zoe is one of the young students we serve in our Global Infant Development program, which has nearly doubled in size in the last few years. Zoe receives weekly services in her home environment to stimulate functional vision and meet important developmental milestones. Her parents, Jackie and Zach, say that BCLC staff members have become "like family" and that early intervention has made "a huge difference to Zoe. We can't imagine where she would be without it."


BCLC in the Community

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​​Join us this weekend at the Festival of Children at the South Coast Plaza. The Festival of Children showcases more than 70 children’s charities that offer support, services and volunteer opportunities to the community. BCLC has been a proud participant in this month-long celebration since the beginning.


​The BCLC booth will offer a textile matching activity to give children a chance to play a game relying on touch and sound instead of sight. Many thanks to the 
National Charity League - Monarch Beach volunteers for staffing the booth!

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Days: Saturday and Sunday
Time: 11am to 2pm

BCLC Location: Booth 15 (located next to Banana Republic)

Event Details: 
Free access to arts, cultural and,educational opportunities.

Schedule of Events

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Blind Children's Learning Center is pleased to partner with Pretend City Children's Museum of Orange County on October 15 to present "White Cane Safety Day." This interactive learning opportunity gives kids the opportunity to build empathy and understanding by using a mobility cane to navigate mazes without relying on sight.

We hope all of you with young children can join us at Pretend City on October 15 from 11am - 2pm!


Golf, Shop, and Win at the Dr. Frank Villalobos Fall Golf Classic!

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Get ready to Golf 'Fore the Kids. There are just a few weeks left to register!

Dr. Frank Villalobos
Fall Golf Classic

Monday, October 14, 2019
Yorba Linda Country Club
12:00 pm - Golf Start
4:30 pm Social Hour, Speaker & Auction
register to golf
New Indian Wells Tennis Tournament Auction Package Revealed!
2 Premier Tickets to the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Tennis Tournament Finals on Friday and Saturday
2-Night Stay at the Marriott Renaissance Esmeralda Resort
Value: $2700
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Thanks to our wonderful Golf sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor
Dr. Frank and Jeanette Villalobos

St. Andrews Sponsor
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Pebble Beach Sponsor



​Barbara Alvarado
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​Whitecross Foundation

Yorba Linda Country Club Sponsor

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Exclusive Sponsors



​​Frank D'Orsi
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​The Konopisos Family
more sponsorship opportunities here

Legacy of Independence Society

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There are now more ways to create a lasting legacy during your lifetime.
Stable, long-term support helps children like Jack (pictured) gain self-sufficiency from birth to age 22.
support today

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We Just Added Tons to the Dr. Frank Villalobos Fall Golf Classic!

9/6/2019

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Just Announced!

BNP Tennis Tournament

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This live auction package includes 2 premier tickets for the final matches of the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Tennis Tournament on Friday AND Saturday night!This 3-days, 2-nights stay at the exclusive Mariott Renaissance Esmeralda Hotel in Indian Wells is valued at $2,700. Dates: March 20-22, 2020

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Coastal Getaway

Take a peek at our live auction package to the stunning Monterey Peninsula. Trip includes three days, two nights at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa; golf at the championship Del Monte Golf Course; and round trip airfare! Estimated value: $2,200.
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All registered golfers get a shopping spree at the Travis Mathew mini bus.

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Click here!
Did you miss our on our first live auction package? Check our desert retreat to the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess Hotel and championship golf course! 

Four Opportunities to Win Big!

Our Hole-in-One Prizes include:
50" Samsung 4K HDTV
$5,000 Cash
Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi
$500 Adidas or Amazon Gift Card
Register to golf, shop and win!

What You Support

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Golf to support critical services for K-12 students served through Blind Children's Learning Center.

You'll be helping students like Sophia.
BCLC helped Sophia regain hope, laughter and important skills such as Braille and white-cane mobility training after her battle with aggressive pediatric brain cancer.

Sophia is starting a whole new year of learning - will you help her meet her goals?

Sign up to golf today

Thanks to Our Wonderful Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor — $7,500
Dr. Frank and Jeanette Villalobos
St. Andrews Sponsor — $5,000
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Pebble Beach Sponsor — $2,500

Barbara Alvarado ​​​
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Whitecross Foundation
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Yorba Linda Country Club Sponsors — $1,500
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Edward Blatchford (714) 865-6348 | Laura Blatchford (714) 612-6883
Exclusive Sponsors
​

The Konopisos Family 

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​Frank D'Orsi
More sponsorship opportunities here!
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OUR MISSION: To prepare children with visual impairments for a life of independence through early intervention, education and family support.

Location

(714) 573-8888
​18542-B Vanderlip ave
santa ana, ca 92705
INFO@BLINDKIDS.ORG

Blind Children’s Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. | Tax ID 95-6097023
​Licensed by the Department of Social Services | License Numbers 300614053 and 300614054

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