"Looking Out for Kids" Charity Reception

The Eye Institute "Looks Out for Kids"

As I was writing part of my Bridal Bonanza blog back in March, I thought this summer – NOW - would be the perfect time to talk about planning events at length. This is one of the reasons I’ve become a fanatic for details! I realized this character trait while planning Eva’s shower.

Preparing for events is always a fun activity – even amidst some hectic-ness - when I have the opportunity to do it for work and for my personal life. I love adhering to the theme and thoroughly enjoy when every LAST detail comes together.
In the fall of 2007, The Eye Institute (TEI) of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University implemented the “Looking Out for Kids” (LOFK) charity fundraiser and initiative. This initiative was developed to address the unmet vision care needs of children in Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. In the past year, we’ve recently added a new tab to The Eye Institute’s website – www.TEIvision.com/LOFK - with more information about what the “Looking Out for Kids” initiative entails. 
The funds raised from the event help provide vision care and eyeglasses to uninsured and under insured children in the communities The Eye Institute serves. TEI has been intent on making a difference in the lives of children whose families cannot afford to pay for these services, which I think is admirable. 
And, for the past two years (2008 and 2009), I’ve been involved in the preparation of this event, which includes planning meetings, gathering silent auction items, organizing details, panning out the menu, selecting a giveaway item, designing the program, invitation and advertising, etc. Although the months leading up to the event are somewhat hectic, when it’s all said and done, I along with everyone else working on the event and on the committee feel a great sense of accomplishment in what we are able to carry out for the children of Philadelphia.
In 2009, Lisa Nutter, President of Philadelphia Academies, Inc. and wife of the mayor of Philadelphia, and Kevin Curtis, former Philadelphia Eagle, hosted the event. In years past, numerous local athletes such as Eagles' AJ Feeley, Brent Celek and LJ Smith and Sixers' Andre Iguodala and Theo Ratliff also demonstrated their support. We are currently in the process of gearing up for the fourth annual fundraiser in early November 2010.  
Each year, our committee puts their best feet forward to gather unique silent auction items for our color coded tables. In the past, we have had everything from Florida timeshares and weekend getaways in Atlantic City and Philadelphia to autographed memorabilia and baskets of cheer. In 2009, we added artisans showcasing their wares - with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the LOFK fund - as an extra flair to the event.
Since the charity reception is held on the campus of Salus University in Elkins Park, PA, our team has the task of transforming the Hafter Student Center's gym into a subdued, inviting atmosphere. Starlite Productions of Cherry Hill, NJ donated colorful ambient lighting matching our LOFK logo for a more intimate setting. 
Administrative assistant, Debra, took to the idea of the centerpieces. Black beans filled glass cylinders while colorful flowers perked out from above the rim. An array of balloons aligned the tables and the entrance to both the general reception and the VIP lounge. The stocked open bar and full gourmet buffet with music in the background made for an overall enjoyable evening.
For the past two years, John Dolores Photography snapped some fabulous shots to capture the flair of the night. 
These are just a sample of shots from the 2008 event...visit www.TEIvision.com/LOFK for more photos on past events.

For more information on becoming a coporate sponsor or in-kind donor, donating a silent auction item or learning more about how to become involved, email LookingOutforKids@salus.edu.