From VermontBiz Website
The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) has received the final payment of a large donation from The Gibney Family Foundation. Under the current direction of CEO Frank Gibney, The Gibney Family Foundation – founded in 1992 to develop sustainable resources for organizations that foster independence, particularly for those who are blind – has lead VABVI’s “Expanding Horizons” capital campaign with an unprecedented $500,000 gift.
The Gibney Family Foundation Sight Center opened in February 2009. Thanks to the challenge grant that The Gibney Family Foundation issued, VABVI raised a record $2,000,000 for its new office. This fantastic gift challenged other Vermonters to support VABVI’s mission– to enable Vermonters with vision problems, whether blindness or impairment, to achieve and maintain independence. It not only placed The Gibney Family Foundation as the top donor for VABVI’s ambitious capital campaign, but also demonstrates the Gibneys’ leadership abilities as they continue to set a prime example for other donors who give to our agency.
Their generous offer is not merely the result of The Gibney Family Foundation’s long-standing partnership with VABVI. It also exemplifies the Gibney family’s recognition of how vital this organization is to Vermonters with visual impairments. They are aware of what our programs and services mean to our clients, as well as what they will mean to our future clients. As the Baby Boomer generation reaches its golden days, Vermont can anticipate a sharp rise in age-related eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The Gibney Family Foundation has shown that they want to ensure VABVI’s ability to meet future demands. We would therefore like to extend our sincere gratitude, from the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to The Gibney Family Foundation: Together fulfilling dreams of independence for the visually impaired.