Rogers School Students Donate $3,000 to Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Representatives from Rogers’ International Baccalaureate (IB) Council recently presented $3,000 to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a not-for-profit organization that provides guide dogs to people with vision loss, as well as service dogs for children with autism.

The Rogers’ IB Council raised the money through Project Guiding Eyes program, which they established in early 2014 after learning about the needs of the organization and in recognition of the number of students with visual impairments at Rogers International.

Rogers’ IB Council selected Project Guiding Eyes as its priority and has worked to raise awareness and funds for the cause over the past year and a half.

“I continue to be impressed with our IB Council members. After their thoughtful consideration and dedication, they have met their goals in making a difference, demonstrating their keen sense of awareness for social responsibility and the IB commitment to taking action,” Rogers Principal Cathleen Cummings said in a statement.

Cummings added “I am proud of their desire to make a difference as they demonstrate the IB learner profile. I also applaud the staff advisors, Steve Staley and Alicia Hernandez, and the founding parent advisor team, Ellen Marment, Alison Chaltas and Janet Tarzia, for their vision and guidance provided to the IB Council.”

Through bake sales, ongoing PA announcements, and poster displays, the council promoted the fundraising effort and the need for contributions. The Rogers’ IB Council also sold IB Council logo products such as water bottles, key chains, pens and handmade bracelets to raise funds.

To increase awareness and donations, council members also attended before- and after-school events that typically draw in students, parents, and teachers including book fairs, community breakfasts, school concerts, theatrical productions, and PTO functions. Separately, they also promoted the program during lunch and study hall periods. Rogers’ IB Council members volunteered more than 400 hours for their cause.

Contributed photos from Rogers School.