I started off with creating a letter to deliver, mail or email to local businesses asking for donations to the non-profits or donate items from their businesses for the silent auction baskets. I designed a shirt for the event and used a site that allows you to create a fundraiser to raise money from selling them. It was a hit! That money allowed me to purchase the venue I wanted, Vern Burton Gym. I knew the gym would allow enough room to space out tables so people walking around with the blind mask would not run into other people. The layout was drawn out and then it was time to plan food, supplies and center pieces!
It is hard to believe that I did all the planning on my own and it all worked out! There was only one thing that didn't turn out, my center pieces, I had a vision in my head but due to technical difficulties with my laser machine my time ended up being limited to get them done. But, it all worked out and what I had designed people loved! When I was planning the table set up I wanted to make sure there was contrast to help make it easier for people to see. If you think about events you attend you will realize that it is usually a white table cloth, white plates, white silverware and clear cups. That is the worse for me! You would find me constantly searching for my the edge of my plate, silverware or napkins. To make it easier for the event I made sure that plates, napkins, cups and silverware were brown (I was being environment savy and did compostable items :) ) with white table cloths. Each place setting had a black mask with small holes for the guest to look out of to and get the feel of only having central vision like me.
My goal was to make the event simple, but a fun experience! I did a short powerpoint presentation to explain what Usher syndrome (USH) is and the different types. I shared information on the two non-profits, Ava's Voice and Usher Syndrome Coalition, and why I choose them. I then talked about myself and how I was born hard of hearing then diagnosed with USH. My home teacher that my family had when I was diagnosed with hearing loss at age 2 gave a speech about her job working with people that are deafblind, how things have changed since my childhood and how my disabilities are invisible.
Then it was time to let the guests chose when they wanted to wear the mask. I asked if they could try for at least ten minutes. I had Little Devil's Lunch Box taco bar buffet, where most people dished up without a mask on. There were a handful of people that wore them getting food and walking to and from their table. I have to say that seeing everyone, even the children, trying the mask made me proud and my heart burst with excitement. While everyone was eating I made my rounds to each table to ask if they had questions or how the experience was going for them. People said it was hard to find their mouth, neck sore from scanning to see the area around them, understood why I get headaches and anxiety. The comment I heard the most was how amazed they were of me and how well I do with the limited sight I have. I had so many emotions going through me during the event from how family traveled from Idaho and Florida to support me, co-workers, my eye doctor and his wife, friends to people that knew me through my mom or others attending. The turnout was perfect!
I wanted the guests to have a chance to try using the cane while wearing the mask so we did a cane relay! There were two rows of six chairs and two teams. The first person would start by going down one side of the chairs then back the other side using the cane to feel their way around then pass the cane to the next person. It was a blast to watch! My childhood friend's kids were brave and stepped right up and joined! They did so well. It put the biggest smile on my face.
I had amazing silent auction baskets from businesses or people that donated. I am so thankful to the local businesses that donated items or money donations. I loved the section of the auction that had crafts or art that was done by people with USH or blindness. I wanted to show that even though we have limited vision or completely blind we can still create beautiful pieces!
It has been two months since my event and I am still overwhelmed with emotions from the support. I loved seeing all those wearing my shirts I designed! Thank you all SO MUCH for your support and some of you have been rooting for me since I was a young girl. I couldn't do it without my family and friends. Thank you again so much for making my dream event come true!
Oh, I forgot to mention an important piece! My event raised over $5,000!! Wahoo!!!!
Audie's Support Crew!
Pictures with Family:
Table Rounds and Buffet:
Co-Workers:
My Creations for the Event:
