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A Knight for the Blind
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Kansas Multiple District 17 Lions
- Published in: Update - Issue 1 - 2010
- Listen to Article
It's amazing what Lions can do when they put their minds to it.
In the summer of 2008, Bryce Day, then district governor from District 17-N Kansas, visited Leader Dog. He had heard about the school from his good friend and Leader Dog Graduate Richard "Buss" Brauer. He had seen first hand how having a Leader Dog had impacted Buss's life. But it was his visit, meeting the staff, and learning about the programs that lit a fire in Bryce's heart.
Upon returning home, Bryce contacted Buss and said, "Let's do something for Leader Dog." And so they went to work.
They envisioned a true gala event, including dinner with silent and live auctions, called "A Knight for the Blind." Their plan was ambitious. "People said I was crazy," says Bryce. "Hundred dollar tickets? In a recession? But we refused to believe we couldn't make it happen."
A committee was organized to sign up corporate sponsors, organize the dinner and program, publicize the event, solicit auction items from businesses and individuals, and sell tickets. Lots of tickets.
The first annual Knight for the Blind Gala rose over $30,000 for Leader Dog. This event catapulted Multiple District 17 into the list of the Top 15 Leader Dog Multiple Districts in terms of support. "More importantly," says Buss, "The event raised the visibility of Lions and Leader Dog in Kansas and brought great publicity to the great work of both organizations."
Plans for 2010 are already underway with a goal to make the event bigger and better each year. "Leader Dogs for the Blind has invested a lot of money, time, and energy in me," says Buss. "They gave me my life back and I want to make sure that they will always be there for me and for others who need their services."
Leader Dogs for the Blind would like to thank the Kansas Lions and everyone that supported the Knight for the Blind Gala.