Our White Cane Appeal fundraising campaign is still rolling along. Each year, the Council’s White Cane Fund pays for hundreds of white canes to be given away free to users all over Wisconsin. For the Council, the white cane has become a symbol for the many tools that support the dignity and empowerment of people living with vision loss. In that spirit, the White Cane Appeal has evolved from an effort to raise funds specifically for canes to a campaign that supports all the Council’s core activities, including advocacy, education and vision services.
This summer we’re putting the donor spotlight on people who have contributed to the Council as a tribute to a family member or friend. A tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one, show appreciation for someone special, or commemorate an occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
“Many families feel a deep gratitude to the Council for services that have improved a loved one’s life,” says Fund Development Director Lori Werbeckes. “They are pleased to support the Council’s work so others can benefit too.”
William and Elaine Bethke are tribute donors. They’ve made several gifts in honor of their daughter Ericka Nelson and her husband Chad, both of whom are visually impaired. “We’ve dealt with the Council off and on for some time,” William says. “Mostly getting aids for the kids to help them do things.”
William says giving as a tribute to a family member has been a special way to support the Council’s work. “It makes a personal connection,” he says. “It’s not just sending a check.”
To make a tribute or memorial gift to the Council online go to WCBlind.org/donate. Or you can contact Lori at 608-237-8114 or LWebeckes@wcblind.org.
