Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 18, 2000

Release #133-00

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958
   

MAYOR GIULIANI PROCLAIMS APRIL 18TH GUIDING EYES
FOR THE BLIND DAY IN NEW YORK CITY DURING
RECEPTION AT GRACIE MANSION

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani proclaimed Tuesday, April 18th Guiding Eyes for the Blind Day during a reception at Gracie Mansion this evening in honor of the organization's commitment to assisting visually impaired New Yorkers. Since its founding in 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind has provided guide dogs at no cost to thousands of blind people throughout the world. The organization raises and trains guide dogs, provides training for recipients and their guide dogs, and offers a lifetime of follow-up support.

"Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an outstanding organization that exists in large measure because of the kindness, dedication and compassion of its volunteers," said Mayor Giuliani. "Since the school was established 46 years ago, more than 5,500 dogs have graduated and now bring freedom, independence and happiness to thousands of blind people throughout the world. I want to thank every one of you who has worked so hard to make Guiding Eyes into the success it has become today."

Tonight's proclamation ceremony kicked off the fundraising season for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which will culminate this June 5th with the Ken Venturi Guiding Eyes Classic Golf Tournament. Professional golfer Ken Venturi, who during more than two decades has successfully raised millions of dollars for this cause at the golf tournament, will be joined at the event by community leaders and the top blind golfers in the nation.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind operates solely from individual, corporate and foundation support. This year, the organization presented a special award to Judy Wilpon, wife of New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon, on behalf of the New York Mets for their long-standing support.

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