Chicago Lighthouse staff and program participants opened up their hearts as well as their wallets to aid Haitian earthquake victims by raising $800.

To assist Haitian victims in particular who are blind or visually impaired, The Lighthouse is partnering with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), a widely respected international charity.  Founded in Turkey by a pastor who himself was blind, CBM assists people who are blind in poverty stricken countries.

"I am heartened by the generosity of our staff and participants who have rolled up their sleeves to assist those whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake in Haiti," said Jen Miller, director of planned giving, who spearheaded the collection effort.  She also praised the work being done by CBM and noted that it has successfully worked on a number of charitable projects in Haiti for the past 30 years.

CBM’s work globally and in Haiti focuses on a wide range of support for people with disabilities, explained Karen Heinicke-Motsch, director of the organization’s international programs.

"We have 100 years of experience and expertise while The Lighthouse has 104, so I believe that we are a good fit," she smiled.

Founded in 1906, The Chicago Lighthouse is one of the nation’s most comprehensive social service agencies.  Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent low vision clinic in the U.S.; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a nationally acclaimed school for children who are blind with multi-disabilities; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station.

For more information on The Chicago Lighthouse, call 312/666-1331.