MAYOR GIULIANI RECEIVES
GUIDING EYES FOR THE BLIND AWARD
The Mayor Proclaims Guiding Eyes For The Blind Day At Gracie Mansion Reception
Mayor Giuliani also accepted a Guiding Eyes for the Blind Special Achievement Award for his support and encouragement of their guide dogs training program. Other award recipients were Senator Alfonse D'Amato -- his mother Antoinette D'Amato received the award on his behalf -- for his outstanding commitment to the blind; and Mindy Dale Franklyn, Member of the Ken Venturi Guiding Eyes Classic Committee, for her dedication and support.
Also in attendance were William Badger, President of Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Stephen Kuusito, a graduate of Guiding Eyes for the Blind; and J. Richard Ryan, who acted as Master of Ceremonies.
"Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a truly outstanding organization that exists mainly because of the kindness, dedication and compassion of its volunteers, and I want to thank every one of you who has worked so hard to make Guiding Eyes into the success it has become today," Mayor Giuliani said. "Since the school was established 40 years ago, more than 4,500 dogs have graduated, bringing freedom, independence and happiness to so many blind people throughout the world.
"Many of you are probably aware that our yellow Lab, 'Goalie,' started in the Guiding Eyes for the Blind program, but failed the physical because his sight was not good enough. Although he did not graduate from the guide dogs training program, his sweet temperament and gentle demeanor have made him a terrific pet," the Mayor concluded.
Tonight's proclamation ceremony kicked off the fundraising season for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which will culminate this June with the Ken Venturi Guiding Eyes Classic Golf Tournament. Professional golfer Ken Venturi, who for over 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.
Since it was founded in 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind has provided guide dogs at no cost to thousands of blind people throughout the nation and other parts of the world. The services they provide include raising and training of guide dogs, training for recipients of guide dogs, and a lifetime of follow-up support. Guiding Eyes for the Blind operates solely from individual, corporate and foundation support.
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