Karen Steffen is a long-time Council donor.
People learn about the Council in many ways. Some find the Council’s website by Googling “vision loss in Wisconsin”. Others call because they are trying to find adaptive ways of doing everyday tasks. Still others are family members of those who receive Council services and observe the impact on their lives. When Karen Steffen learned of the ways in which the Council was there for her grandson, she wanted to make a difference.
Karen’s grandson, Colton, received a white cane from the Council while attending the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Janesville. Karen regularly attended many of the school’s events open to family members, such as the Christmas program. She wondered what services were available to people after they graduated from the school. In that way, she discovered the Council.
“I want to be a part of all the great work people who are blind or visually impaired are doing,” says Karen. “I want to help in some way.”
Karen and her husband, Glenn, have been making gifts to the Council for almost fifteen years. They are members of the White Cane Circle, a loyal group of donors who support the Council with monthly gifts. Financial gifts allow the Council to provide white canes, offer adaptive products, present educational events and advocate for the rights of people who are blind or visually impaired across Wisconsin.
“I have a warm spot in my heart for people who are blind or visually impaired,” says Karen. “They do so many things and I want to be a part of it. I see my giving as helping them do the things they do.”
A gift of any size makes a difference. Here are some ways a monthly gift can help over just one year:
- $6/month buys a white cane for two people.
- $10/month pays for two hours of assistive technology training.
- $20/month provides three low vision evaluations.
Consider making a monthly gift to the Council. Contact Lori at LWerbeckes@WCBlind.org or call (608) 237-8114.
Thank you, Glenn and Karen. The Council appreciates all those who give.
