An organization dedicated to providing services to the blind will host its annual fundraiser event.
On Wednesday, August 3rd, the VISIONS Bronx Advisory Board will host its fifth annual ‘Mix It Up’ Celebrity Fundraiser at Tosca Rooftop, 4034 East Tremont Avenue between 6 and 9 p.m., where some of the organization’s board members will act as celebrity bartenders to rase money for the worthy cause.
The event will look to raise funds for blind and visually impaired individuals who don’t have the family members, friends or the services to assist or support them with their living situations.
The celebrity bartenders at the fundraiser will include John Bonizio from Metro Optics Eyewear, Gianna Dell’Olio from BronxWorks, Laura Guerriero from the Bronx Times-Reporter, Donna Karlson from the New York Institute of Special Education, Joe Kelleher from Simone Development and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Andrew Squitieri from Sanitation Salvage.
“I’ve been a big supporter of VISIONS for many years – and I hope more and more people continue to contribute to this wonderful organization,” said Bonizio, who was on the VISIONS Advisory Board for eight years. “VISIONS is a great organization that gives blind and visually impaired individuals the tools and skills they need to live an independent life – and I’m very proud to be a part of an fundraiser that contributes to such a great cause.”
“I’m very excited to be a part of this fundraiser – one that will help individuals who are truly in need,” said Kelleher. “Simone Development, along with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, has always been a big supporter of VISIONS.
The event was started in 2012 by Fordham Road BID deputy director Daniel Bernstein.
“This is a very successful event and it has received a lot of support since it began,” said Bernstein, who has been the emcee of the fundraiser since the event’s inception and has held fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Haldane School Foundation in the past.
“This event not only raises money for the organization, but it also raises awareness among people who don’t know about the great job that VISIONS has done and will continue to do for blind and visually impaired individuals.”
Bernstein also said that each fundraiser has generated between $4,500 and $6,000 in the past. Out of every dollar donated to the organization, VISIONS allocates 88 cents to blind and visually impaired individuals who are in need of assistance and services.
Each year, VISIONS provides programs and services to over 6,000 individuals in New York City and 600 Bronx residents.
In previous years, the VISIONS ‘Mix It Up’ fundraiser was held at F&J Pine Restaurant and Brewski’s Bar & Grill.
Tickets are $30 pre-paid and $35 at the door. For more information about the event, visit: www.visio
