Bright Futures Ahead: Unveiling the Magic of Celebration for Sight
Get ready to ignite the spirit of generosity and make a lasting impact as Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (DGC) presents Celebration for Sight!
There are two steps to help the DGC team prepare for this fun event:
#1 Register, there is a blue “REGISTER HERE!” button in the middle of the page or an orange “Register Here!” button at the bottom of the page, by April 10 to have a free t-shirt for children and family members. Don’t want T-shirts? That is cool with us, but we still want you to register your family so we have enough snacks, supplies, and goodies for all of the DGC families!
#2 Create a team for this ALL-family event and 32-hour fundraiser There is a green “CREATE MY TEAM” button in the middle of the page. Don’t forget to include a family or team photo and share your story!
If you have any questions about the all-family Celebration for Sight event, please reach out to Lauren Sanders at lsanders@dgckids.org.
Bright Futures Ahead: Unveiling the Magic of Celebration for Sight
St. Louis, MO – Get ready to ignite the spirit of generosity and make a lasting impact as Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (DGC) presents Celebration for Sight! After 32 years of cherished memories with the iconic fundraiser and in-person race, Run for Sight, we’re retiring our racing sneakers and are thrilled to share that Run for Sight will now be an event celebrating #DGCKids and their families paired with an online fundraiser for the entire community!
32-Hours of Giving for the Entire DGC Community Near and Far*
Join us virtually as we launch an electrifying 32-hour online fundraising extravaganza, starting at
1 pm on Sunday, April 21, and ending at 9 pm on Monday, April 22. Let’s celebrate 32 years of Run for Sight and raise funds for children with visual impairments and their families! *Online Fundraiser open to the entire community!
Multiply Your Impact
Your donations during these 32 hours will be QUADRUPLED (a $25 donation will = $100), thanks to our incredible matching donors! With their generosity, every contribution you make will have four times the impact on the lives of children with visual impairments and their families.
An Afternoon of Fun, Carousel Rides, and Connection*
Current and past DGC families will kick off the online fundraiser in person at 1 pm on Sunday, April 21,
at the Carousel Room at Faust Park in Chesterfield. There will be a walk, carousel rides, and activities for #DGCKids and their families to enjoy! *Registered Event for DGC Families Past and Present.
Make a Difference
Save the date, spread the word, and join us in this whirlwind of giving. Share our campaign link on April 21 and 22, https://www.charidy.com/dgckids, through email and/or text, and help us reach more people.
Together, let’s unleash the magic of collective giving!
Team Up for Good
Create teams, gather your family and friends, and amplify our impact. With teamwork and determination, we can achieve extraordinary results and make a profound difference in the lives of children with visual impairments.
Illuminate the Path for Children and their Families
At Celebration for Sight, we’re not just raising funds but investing in hope, opportunity, and brighter futures for #DGCKids. Your support enables us to provide essential vision screenings, services, and programs that transform lives. Together, let’s make these 32-hours count! Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news as we embark on this inspiring new journey together!
Congratulations, Becky Lambert (M.S.Ed., COMS), on receiving the prestigious Illinois Excellence in Education Award on February 22, 2024! Her dedication and tireless efforts in positively impacting the lives of children with visual impairments truly exemplify the spirit of excellence in teaching.
Her contributions to the profession in Illinois (and MO) have been outstanding, and this recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to inclusive education.
Becky’s passion and hard work have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those she has taught and inspired. We celebrate this well-deserved achievement and thank Becky for her invaluable service to the community.
We are so grateful she is on the DGC Team and has been an incredible leader and teacher for approximately 28 years!
NEWS RELEASE:
For Immediate Release
February, 23, 2024
Andrew O’Dell Transitions from Interim Director to Executive Director at Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (DGC)
St. Louis, MO – Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (DGC) is thrilled to announce the permanent appointment of Andrew O’Dell as Executive Director. O’Dell, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director since August 2023, brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the role.
With a tenure that includes serving as President of the Board since 2022 and as a Board Member since 2018, O’Dell has exemplified his deep commitment to DGC’s mission. His decade-long volunteer service underscores his passion for empowering children with visual impairments and their families through specialized services and community support.
Under O’Dell’s leadership, DGC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential services to children and their families across the greater St. Louis area. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly propel the organization forward as it continues to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Courtney Vomund, DGC Board Chair, expressed her enthusiasm for O’Dell’s leadership, stating, “As the Board Chair, I am thrilled about the future of Delta Gamma Center with Andrew O’Dell as our Executive Director. Andrew brings positivity, focused leadership, and unwavering commitment to Delta Gamma Center’s mission.”
Since 1951, Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments has been a beacon of support for visually impaired children and their families. Vomund said, “I am confident that he will lead the organization with compassion and dedication, as we continue to focus on empowering visually impaired children and their families. We are privileged to have him leading us into this next phase of growth and transformation.”
With Andrew O’Dell at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and expand its reach in the community.
DGC is Hiring: The Role of a Director of Children’s Programs at Delta Gamma Center
Nestled in St. Louis, Missouri, the Delta Gamma Center is on a mission to empower visually impaired children. At the heart of this mission is the pivotal role of the Director of Children’s Programs – a position that not only manages programs but also shapes the futures of extraordinary children and their families.
Mission-Focused Leadership:
DGC delivers family-centered services for visually impaired children. The Director of Children’s Programs is the architect of early intervention and GRADS programs, weaving a tapestry of hope, resilience, and growth.
Building Bridges:
This role involves maintaining positive relationships with referral sources and active participation in regional and state coordinating councils. The director becomes a bridge, ensuring smooth transitions for clients from referral to ongoing services.
Nurturing Growth:
The director extends the mission beyond the center, fostering community initiatives and partnerships. They are not just a manager but a cultivator of growth, connecting the center with external resources to enhance programs.
Championing Quality:
Quality is the standard the director upholds, monitoring program delivery, ensuring staff have the necessary resources, and creating safe classrooms. The focus is on exceeding quality standards, ensuring every child receives the best care.
Strategic Leadership:
Collaborating with the Senior Program Director, the director ensures high-quality programming and a positive work environment. This collaboration reflects DGC’s core values, placing diversity, inclusion, and equity at the forefront.
Balancing Act:
Supervision, coaching, and mentoring become second nature to the director. Balancing accountability with flexibility, the director supports staff members in effectively managing caseloads and program activities.
Qualifications that Matter:
A bachelor’s degree in relevant fields is a baseline, with professional experience of 7+ years, including supervisory roles, being crucial. Direct experience in early intervention and a passion for working with visually impaired children set the director apart.
Join the Journey:
If you’re ready to shape the future of visually impaired children, DGC invites you to apply. Submit your cover letter and resume to lrohr@dgckids.org and become part of a team dedicated to unlocking the potential of every child.
In the realm of the Director of Children’s Programs at Delta Gamma Center, it’s not just a job; it’s a calling to create a world where every child, regardless of vision loss, can live a life without limits.
Support a great cause! Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a difference this festive season!
When you sign up, you’re not just volunteering; you’re becoming a part of our mission. And guess what? All the magic happening at the Tree Lot is for a crucial cause. Funds raised go towards family-centered, specialized services that empower children with visual impairments to shine brighter than ever before! Let’s light up their world together.
As a volunteer, you’ve got the power to pick as many shifts as your heart desires. We’ve got a role for everyone – whether you’re a natural-born leader, tree-trimming pro, math wizard at the cash register, or just a big-hearted greeter. But here’s where the holiday magic really kicks in –grab your crew, whether they’re from your office, your neighborhood, or even your school. This tree lot is where teams, civic heroes, work buddies, families, and friends unite, all wrapped up in the holiday spirit!
The Shining Light Tree Lot has a long history of inspiring holiday spirit and encouraging support for children with visual impairments. In 2023, we are
celebrating our 72nd year of this tradition. The Tree Lot offers a variety of tree types and sizes, beautiful wreaths, holiday greenery, and tree accessories.
New Location!
Saint Louis Bank
9811 S 40 Dr.
Ladue, MO 63124
Shining Light Tree Lot November 24 through December 23 (or until the tree lot sells out!)
Opening Day, 11/24 – 10 am to 7 pm
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday – 4 to 8 pm
Saturday – 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday – 11 am to 7 pm
Visit bit.ly/TLVolunteer2023 and sign-up today!
Questions? Call Delta Gamma Center at 314-776-1300 or email volunteer@dgckids.org.