Beyond Vision once again took to the Rotary Club of Milwaukee Amphitheater at Discovery World on Milwaukee’s Lakefront to host its annual Live @ the Lakefront Appreciation Night. This year we celebrated 110 years of providing employment opportunities for people who are blind. Attendees included customers, suppliers, donors, and employees.
As thunderstorms carried in the rain, the event was moved indoors, a little rain was not going to stop this 110 year old organization from having a celebration. In spite of the sketchy weather we had 209 guests at our private reception, a new record. More than 650 people from the general public also attended the concert performed once again by Los Ciegos Del Barrio, the all blind salsa band who for two years running have drawn largest crowd of the L@tLF Summer Concert Series. Even our CEO, Jim Kerlin’s, eye-catching salsa moves added to the event’s success.
Prior to show time our VIP guests were treated to a musical performance by Eric Look, a piano prodigy who had been diagnosed with Kanner-type Autism when he was just three years old. As intoxicating piano pieces filled the air, our guests gathered, mingled and networked with refreshments.
CEO Jim Kerlin took the podium and guided our guests on a walk down memory lane. “It is amazing to see just how our mission has evolved over the years, yet has withstood the test of time,” Kerlin said. “Our mission is resilient because it is the right thing to and it is the smart thing to do.” His speech mirrored our theme of the night celebrating our 110th anniversary, blind employment since 1903.
We would like to thank everyone who attended and has continued to support Beyond Vision, and we look forward to seeing more of you at the event next year!