Donor Spotlight: The Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation

The Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation has a longstanding connection to The Chicago Lighthouse, spanning three generations and rooted in a personal family story. “My grandfather experienced vision issues in the late 1970s, and he received services at The Lighthouse. That was our first introduction to the organization,” says Tim Kolschowsky, the foundation’s President.

The Kolschowsky Foundation has contributed to The Lighthouse since its inception in 1986, supporting our general operations and initiatives like the former Kane Legal Clinic. Its latest commitment is a generous five-year, $150,000 pledge to bolster the Orientation & Mobility (O&M) training program, which helps people who are blind or visually impaired learn to navigate using a white cane.

This pledge came after Tim and his daughter Sarah toured The Lighthouse and had a chance to observe the impact of several of our programs firsthand. Inspired by the visit, the Kolschowsky Foundation asked Lighthouse leadership to identify a program ready for growth. It so happened that the offer came at the perfect time. The State of Illinois had recently agreed to provide partial funding for an additional O&M instructor, contingent on some outside funding covering part of the costs. Tim is happy The Kolschowsky Foundation could provide the necessary boost for the program.

Tim and the rest of the Kolschowsky Foundation are confident that their dollars are going to be well used. “I’ve always been impressed with the staff and work being done at The Lighthouse,” he says. “Clearly, everyone is working together toward the same goal, and everyone is enthusiastic and supportive of each other.”                   

If you would like to make a gift to The Chicago Lighthouse, visit www.chicagolighthouse.org/donate.