Celebrating 60 years of improving the lives of the blind and visually challenged, Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision held an epic shindig featuring live music from Jason Courtenay, catering from Southern Palate and Johnny Ganem’s open bar at their 1141 Cornell Avenue location on September 28.
Greeting me at the entrance is Savannah Chamber of Commerce’s Tara Reese. Tara must have a clone because she is at the helm of the Savannah Irish Festival, attends every ribbon cutting in town and was a constant spectator at the Air Dominance Center for their William Tell 2023. It must be a tough gig to have to deal with all things Irish, new businesses and fighter pilots!
Before I make it inside, I hear someone yell, “My Queen!” Dining in the Dark 2024’s co-chair Maja Ciric is in the house with long last seen Michelle Stinson on her arm! In a celebratory mood because Maja and her Second Harvest team announced Greg Parker’s 1 million dollar donation that they hope to match, Maja grabs the ladies for a perfect first pic before I head inside SCBLV headquarters.
Weaving my way through the building, the first person I see is SCBLV board member and First Citizens Bank’s Rob Sparks, SCBLV’s Leslie Eatherly and the most fascinating logistics dude in town, Ben Goldberg. Always a fan, I may have developed a bigger crush when Ben tells me about his latest adventure.
“My godson, grandson and wife JoAnn went on a nine day National Geographic Cruise. Everyday we went on four excursions and saw everything from penguins and seal lions to tortoises and the blue-footed boobie performing his mating dance. It was the trip of a lifetime!,” shares Ben.
Tell me what you love about life in the South, I ask. “I love SCBLV – they are goodpeople who have become good friends and this is a great organization for us to partner with. Hosting and sponsoring Dining in the Dark has made living here even better. I have lived in New York, Memphis and Charleston – nowhere else has opened their arms the way Savannah has,” shares the Long Island, New York native and Dining in the Dark 2024 co-chair.
Attempting to sneak by me is the world’s second best mom, Evelyn Ganem. Supplying a full bar of spirits, wine and beer for tonight’s party, Evelyn tells me that she is a longtime supporter and a fan of SCBLW. Suffering from a rare vision condition called parafovial retinal telangiectasia, Evelyn has limited ability to see close up details and long distance.
“Ten years ago, I noticed white spots in the trees while driving down Habersham Street. Dr. Richard Schultz diagnosed me, I have had three surgeries, multiple shots and my vision has been stable for the past three years. I am just proud that I can see my grandkids, my daughter and that I am still able to drive,” shares Johnny Ganem’s chief financial officer.
After sharing plans to hit the road to Albuquerque, New Mexico to see the hot air balloon festival with twelve family members for her 70th birthday, Evelyn bounces out to attend her youngest grandson’s football game and I make it over to see Sherri Forbes.
“I have always volunteered. From elementary school helping the Red Cross to volunteering at the bookmobile, this has always been a way of life for me and is my way of giving back. Next up for me is the Luke Bryan concert and the Ghost Pirates games at Enmarket Arena,” shares the Halloween themed fashionista.
Seated at the table behind Lisa is the always entertaining Robert Moreland. The magic curator is making a name for himself around town, is performing at Safe Shelter’s Twilight event at the Thompson and is busy performing card tricks while talking to me!
Arriving next is City of Savannah’s Human Services Assistant Director Margaret Williams. The Savannah native tells me, “I have worked with the City over 20 years, attend St. Vincent’s Academy, graduated from Savannah State University and got a full scholarship to Ohio State University for my Masters in Public Administration.” With a desire to serve others, Margaret admits that she loves shopping, traveling and cruises with her Savannah firefighter husband.
Another female that I have much love for is Speros Vice President Heather Radtke. With short, dark curly hair framed with natural silver highlights, Heather chats with me about her love of dogs, jet skiing and her goals with a local non-profit organization before pausing to pose for a pic with Speros Director of Operations, Van Heath.
By now I have sampled scrumptious culinary creations from the talented Shannon McAdams and her team, grabbed a free umbrella and taken a seat to listen to SCBLV’s Chairman of the Board’s Roy Hill. The next five minutes are packed with so much information that I have to pull SCBLV’s Lois Modell aside to get a list of all their accomplishments.
“Since 1963, the Center has seen over 25,000 clients and in the past year we have given over 350 pairs of eyewear to those who cannot afford it, put 52 people to work through the work readiness program and given over 500 eye exams in our local Savannah community,” shares the center’s executive director.
As someone who lives at Georgia Eye Institute and see’s Dr. Mark Manocha and Dr. Chris Hinson way too much, I am delighted to know that the only source of vision rehab services in 29 counties is 3.2 miles from my front door. Congratulations on 60 years of being the small but mighty team that helps those who don’t see when the lights come on, – picture a standing ovation!
This article appears in Connect Savannah | October, 2023.