A Day to Celebrate Together
On Sunday, October 11, the DGCKids community gathered at Faust Park for Celebration for Sight, honoring the Vision of Valerie M. Walch, and what a day it was! Under sunny skies, 183 people joined us from 12:30 to 3:30 pm, including current and past families, staff, board members, and 38 incredible volunteers.
From the carousel to the pony rides, the afternoon was full of connection and fun designed so every child and their family could join in.
Highlights from the Afternoon
The day kicked off with our Walk for Sight, as families made their way through the park together in their bright orange Celebration for Sight T-shirts. From there, kids had plenty to explore:
- Carousel rides on the historic St. Louis Carousel.
- The Bubble Bus, complete with birthday cake–scented bubbles for a fun sensory experience.
- Music therapy, where kids played drums and made music together.
- A tactile table filled with hands-on textures to explore and take home!
- Crafts and face painting for creative fun!
- Pony rides, a favorite for many of our kids.
Just as meaningful were the moments in between, as families met, reconnected, and swapped stories. Celebration for Sight is a reminder that no family is on this journey alone.
Powered by Volunteers
Celebration for Sight simply would not happen without our volunteers. A heartfelt thank-you to the 38 volunteers who pitched in all afternoon and made every guest feel welcome. We are especially grateful to these groups:
- Delta Gamma (Gamma Iota Chapter) at DePauw University
- National Charity League (Spirit of St. Louis Chapter)
- Holy Infant Catholic Church
- Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital
Your energy made the day possible.
Thank You to Our Nonprofit Partners
We were thrilled to welcome fellow nonprofits to the celebration. Thank you to MindsEye and the Missouri School for the Blind for joining us and sharing resources with families. Partnerships like these help connect our families to the wider community that supports kids who are blind or have a visual impairment.
Thank You, DGCKids Families
Most of all, thank you to the families who joined us. Watching kids ride the carousel, chase bubbles, pet animals, and make new friends is what this day is all about. We are so grateful to be part of your lives.
Thank you as well to our staff and board members, who brought so much heart to the afternoon.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!
