by S. Rotan Hale
Of the 5 senses ‘sight’ is one of the most taken for granted by creatures governed — to a great degree–by visual imagery.
It’s hard to imagine life in total darkness yet millions of individuals live their entire lives courageously in a world without sight.
“Limited by Sight not by Style,” a most unusual fashion show was held Saturday, April 9 at Roanoke’s Holiday Inn and featured a line-up of visually impaired models.
The fundraiser was co-sponsored by The Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions Club (RVBLC) and the Roanoke Alliance for the Visually Enabled (RAVE). Members from both groups joined forces for this most unconventional event.
WSLS Channel 10 personalities Patrick McKee and Kristina Montuori served as MCs for the affair. Also featured was live music by the 3-D Trio that played ‘folk-style’ versions of various favorites during dinner.
Additionally Lion Andre Peery, as DJ, provided background music during the actual showcase.
It was Lion Lynn Keene who presented the idea of a fashion show/fundraiser to the club and after months of planning along with RAVE as partner, the project came together.
“The first and most important purpose (of the show) was to reveal and honor the grace, beauty and determination demonstrated by our models who face the challenges of diminished vision,” said Keene laying out the collective purpose of both organizations during her opening remarks.
The sold-out show featured models ranging in age from 97 to 3 who graced the runway with poise, dignity and style. Some with escorts, others without who exhibited all the pageantry typical of most fashion shows.
The models came from varied backgrounds– some were retired, others are presently engaged in stellar careers in a host of fields.
One model, Lorie Saunders was diagnosed at age 9 with Stargardt’s disease, a form of Macular Degeneration. Saunders is currently preparing to become a foster parent. In addition to her travels abroad to Africa, she has worked with at-risk children and volunteers at Carilion Hospital. Additionally she worked at the White House during the Bush administration pushing an impressive career through with the determination that her blindness would not define her.
Funds generated by the event were split between the 2 sponsoring organizations and will be used to upgrade equipment used to assist the visually impaired.
Abiding by the Lions Club International mandate, RVBLC serves as an advocate for the blind. RAVE, founded 25 years ago, is an area support group for the visually impaired.
Through the bold and altruistic efforts of such organizations as RVBLC and RAVE, individuals deemed less fortunate are lifted beyond their impairments to greater heights.
Their collaborative production of an event that was as incredible as the spirits involved, served as an eye-opener and highlighted the incredibly courageous lives of those who live not by sight.
