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White Cane Day
Miami Lighthouse celebrated the 60th Anniversary of White Cane Day on Tuesday, October 15th. Raising awareness about White Cane Safety Laws is the reason
President Lyndon B. Johnson established the important legislation in 1964. The day is set aside to celebrate the many achievements of the blind and visually
impaired and their important symbol of independence, the white cane.
Over 150 blind and visually impaired program participants were escorted by members of the City of Miami Fire and Police Departments and led by
Grand Marshals Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, City of Miami Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, Miami Senior High Color Guard, and Billy the Marlin,
as they walked from the Miami Lighthouse down SW 8th Street and back.
The celebration began with breakfast sponsored by Bagel Bar East and lunch sponsored by The Montes Family McDonald's. Event Sponsors included Uber,
Captain Awesome Charities, Humana, CarePlus, Tropical Financial Credit Union, 305 hive, Miami Kids Magazine, Vispero, Ambutech, and others.
The event was emceed by Gisella Aboumrad, Award Winning Actress and Writer.
Monday, October 15th, marked another successful White Cane Day celebration at Miami Lighthouse. White Cane Day is a National Day of celebration established by President
Lyndon B. Johnson in recognition of the white cane as both a tool and a symbol of independence for the blind. One hundred and fifty blind and visually impaired program
participants walked together down Calle Ocho to raise awareness about the importance of programs like those offered at Miami Lighthouse.
We are especially grateful for the City of Miami Police Department and the Department of Fire-Rescue, event Emcee Gisella Aboumrad and sponsors of our wonderful event
including: Uber, McDonald's, Tropical Financial Credit Union, Vispero, Verizon Tracfone, Ambutech, Mattingly Low Vision, Keiser University and 305 Hive.
Friday, October 14th marked another highly successful National White Cane Day Walk for Miami Lighthouse.
More than 150 advocates for White Cane Safety Laws joined us in our walk through the streets of Miami's Calle Ocho.
This iconic street symbolizes the many achievements of our community just as the "white cane" stands as the symbol of
independence for the blind and visually impaired. Like accessible technology, the white cane is an essential tool that gives
blind people the ability to achieve full and independent lives. It allows us to move freely and safely from place to
place—whether it's at work, at school, or around our communities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate our successes through in-kind donations, event support, sponsorship, and more,
including: our emcee Jammin' Johnny Caride from EL ZOL 106.7 FM, lunch sponsor McDonald's, Uber, Florida Blue Medicare, OrCam,
Meraki Wellness & Healing Inc., Vispero, Tracfone, Tropical Financial Credit Union, Ambutech, 2VDG Jane Colona and many others.
This year’s “White Cane Day Walk & Ceremony” was a winner with more than 100 blind and visually impaired Miami
residents in attendance for the annual walk on the streets of Miami. Emceed by El Zol 106.7's on-air talent, Jammin
Johnny Caride elected officials and community leaders joined in on the special festivities. “White Cane Day” is a
national observance, established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The day celebrates the many achievements of
the blind and visually impaired and their important symbol of independence, the white cane. Escorted by City of
Miami Police and Fire Departments, the walk was led by Grand Marshals including Miami-Dade County Commissioners
Eileen Higgins and Sally Heyman, City of Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, Miami-Dade County Public School Board
Member Lucia Baez-Geller, representatives from the Florida Division of Blind Services Miami District Office, Lions
for the Blind, and Billy The Marlin. Event sponsors include presenting sponsors Florida Blue, High Standard Home
Care and Uber, along with McDonald’s, Starbucks, OrCam, Vispero, Ambutech, Lions for the Blind, TracFone and others.
Click here to visit our White Cane Day testimonial page.
Click here to visit our White Cane Day testimonial page. In previous
years, we have held a procession of more than 100 blind and visually impaired Miamians walking with white canes and
guide dogs to raise awareness about the white cane. This year however, due to the Coronavirus pandemic and in
keeping with the times of social distancing, we had to forgo a 56-year tradition and bring you White Cane Day
virtually. This is the one time of year we ask our grateful clients to give back to this remarkable place that many
call their second home, and you did. The 2020 White Cane Day event was a phenomenal show of support from our
community and because of their generosity this year’s event raised more funds than ever before. We hope you enjoy
the program video above.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired celebrated National White Cane Day on Tuesday, October 15,
2019. White Cane Day is a national observance, established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The day is set aside
to celebrate the many achievements of the blind and visually impaired, and their important symbol of independence,
the white cane.
A special thank you to Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez and Billy the Marlin, whom lead this year’s White Cane Day walk
along with the City of Miami Police Department and Fire & Rescue Department. The procession, including more than 100
blind and visually impaired Miamians walking with white canes and guide dogs, as well as many sighted volunteers,
began at 601 SW 8th Ave., went down 8th street and then back to the Miami Lighthouse. Emcee Gisella Aboumrad, Award
Winning Actress and Writer, continued our celebration inside with music by our Miami Lighthouse’s musicians and a
delicious lunch.
We thank our participating event sponsors, which included presenting sponsor Florida Blue, in addition to, sponsors
OrCam, Mass Mutual Miami, Lions for the Blind, Tracfone, Telefonica, Ambutech, Walgreens Store #15994, Einstein’s
Bros. Bagels #2300 and Burger King Store #12778. It is through the help of our dedicated supporters that we are able
to provide transformative services and program to thousands each year.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind celebrated nearly 90 years of service to the blind and visually impaired
community on National White Cane Day in Miami on Monday, October 15th. Escorted by City of Miami Police,
over 200 people of all ages walked from Miami Lighthouse, at 601 SW 8th Ave., down 8th street and back.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner's Sally Heyman and Eileen Higgins led the way as Grand Marshalls.
The celebration continued with food and music featuring our Miami Lighthouse United Voices
Choir who provided a joyful rendition of "We are Family" as everyone joined in with song and
dance.
Ron Magill, Goodwill Ambassador at Zoo Miami, delighted the crowd as the emcee and a special
presentation was made by Doug Bartel, Senior Director of Business Development and Media Relations at Florida
Blue, about the changing healthcare landscape.
The event also showcased a first-of-its-kind 3-D map for the blind developed by John Stuart, AIA,
executive director of FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts | Miami Beach Urban Studios, and
our Miami Lighthouse orientation and mobility instructors and our clients.
A big thank you to our presenting sponsor Florida Blue and all of our sponsors including
MassMututal Miami, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Lions for the Blind, OrCam, Walgreens #15994, Ms. Cheezious and
Burger King #12778 for making the event a great success.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind celebrated over 85 years of service to the blind and visually impaired
community on National White Cane Day in Miami on Monday, October 16th. Nearly, 250 people of all ages,
escorted by City of Miami Police and Fire Departments, walked from Miami Lighthouse, at 601 S.W. 8th Ave.,
around the block and back, where the celebration continued with food and music featuring Miami Lighthouse
Music Program musicians.
Serving as grand marshals were District Administrator of the Florida Division of Blind Services
Juan Carlos Diaz, Miami Lighthouse Chairman of the Board Louis Nostro and representing the Marlins
Foundation Billy the Marlin. Special guest Paul Schroeder, past Vice President of the American Foundation
for the Blind and representative of Aira, gave a presentation about the newest technology Aira has to offer.
We thank our participating sponsors which included Florida Blue, MassMutual Miami, Lions for the
Blind, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Aira, OrCam Technologies, Walgreens Store #2544, Starbucks Store #8506 and
Burger King Store #12778. Thank you to all of our supporters of White Cane Day as proceeds benefit services
and programs provided by Miami Lighthouse.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind celebrated 85 years of service to the blind
and visually impaired community on National White Cane Day in Miami on
Friday, October 14th. An estimated 200 people of all ages, escorted by
City of Miami Police and Fire Departments, walked from Miami Lighthouse,
at 601 S.W. 8th Ave., down 8th Street and back, where the celebration
continued with food and music featuring Miami Lighthouse Music Program
musicians.
This year Uber and Miami Lighthouse launched a partnership aimed at
expanding mobility options for blind and visually impaired riders and
helped raise awareness of the White Cane Laws by reinforcing best
practices to South Florida driver-partners. Other highlights of this
year’s celebration, emceed by Ron Magill, Goodwill Ambassador at Zoo
Miami, included Grand Marshal Billy the Marlin and presentations by Penny
Shaffer, Market President at Florida Blue, Denise Valkema of Miami
National Federation of the Blind and Paul Edwards of the Florida Council
of the Blind. The Miami Lions Club and its Foundation were also present to
help lead the way at the walk.
We thank our participating sponsors which include included Florida Blue,
UBER, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Lions for the Blind, Spine Solutions, OrCam,
Law Office of Benedict P. Kuehne, P.A., Breakfast sponsored by Walgreens
Store #2544, and lunch sponsored by Burger King Store #12778. Thank you to
all of our supporters of White Cane Day as proceeds benefit services and
programs provided by Miami Lighthouse.
White Cane Day is the day of the year when clients give back to Miami
Lighthouse and enable us to help others who need vision rehabilitation.
Grateful clients solicit donations from family, friends, neighbors and
coworkers. Hugo Meneses, Lola Zuniga and Herb Klein were recognized as the
top fundraisers at this year’s White Cane Day event. With client support,
in-kind donations and sponsorships by Florida Blue, the Marlins Foundation
and Lions for the Blind, this year’s event raised $13,000.
An estimated 200 people of all ages participated in our White Cane Day
walk on October 15th. Escorted by City of Miami Police and Fire
Departments, they walked from Miami Lighthouse, down 8th Street and back,
where the celebration continued with food and music featuring Miami
Lighthouse Music Program musicians, guest speakers and special
presentations. The keynote speaker was Penny Shaffer, Market President
South Florida, Florida Blue. NBC 6’s Chief Meteorologist John Morales was
the emcee. Grand Marshals were Senator Anitere Flores, representing the
Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation; Commissioner Sally A. Heyman,
representing the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners; Ramón Casas,
Chair, Miami Lighthouse Board of Directors; Juan Carlos Diaz, District
Administrator, District 12 Florida Division of Blind Services; Lion
Ildefonso Ortega, District Governor 35-N; and Billy the Marlin.
The event was sponsored by Florida Blue, the Marlins Foundation and Lions
for the Blind with musical entertainment provided by Miami Lighthouse
musicians and instructors. We express appreciation Avison Young for
providing breakfast and to Al Cabrera for providing cheese burgers for
lunch from Burger King #12778.
On Wednesday, October 15th an estimated 200 people of all ages escorted by
City of Miami Police and Fire Departments walked together from Miami
Lighthouse, at 601 S.W. 8th Ave., down 8th Street and back, where the
celebration continued with food and music featuring Miami Lighthouse
Better Chance Music Production Program™ musicians, guest speakers and
special presentations. NBC 6’s Chief Meteorologist John Morales was the
emcee and Grand Marshals were Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; Lion Juan
Tejera, Immediate Past District Governor 35-N; LtCol Tony Colmenares,
Director, City of Miami Veterans Services; Dave Hagemann, Guiding Eyes for
the Bind; and Billy the Marlin representing The Marlins Foundation.
Presentations were be made by Molina Healthcare of Florida and OrCam
Technologies. As the signature sponsor of the event Dr. Mark Bloom, CMO of
Molina Healthcare, discussed techniques for navigating today’s health care
system. Rhys Filmer discussed OrCam’s technologically advanced device
unique in its ability to provide visual aid through a discreet wearable
platform and simple easy-to-use interface which serves to enhance the
daily lives of people with vision loss.
Participating sponsors include Molina Healthcare of Florida, OrCam
Technologies and Noven Pharmaceuticals. Breakfast was sponsored by
Starbucks Mary Brickell, Chik-fil-A, Arahis Bakery, Publix, Miami Sunshine
Lions Club, American Fruit, Lion Dilma Rodrigues, Cecilia Ferrer, and
lunch sponsored by Burger King #12778, Lions for the Blind and Susie Wahab.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired celebrated White Cane
Day in Miami on Tuesday, October 15, 2013. Over 200 people walked from the
Miami Lighthouse down S.W. 7th Street, across to S.W. 8th Street, and
back, led by City of Miami Mayor Tomas P. Regalado, Florida State
Representative David Richardson, Julius Davis, District Administrator,
Division of Blind Services, Ivonne Perez-Suarez, Consumer Advocate at
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Billy the
Marlin. The celebration continued with good food, musical entertainment
provided by Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™
musicians and instructors, and presentations by special guests.
At this year’s event, Miami Lighthouse honored Barbara Moyer, Manager of
Talking Books Library, Miami-Dade Public Library System, for her hard work
and dedication throughout her years of service. The keynote speaker at the
event was Julius Davis, District Administrator of Division of Blind
Services, who also entertained guests by taking part in the musical
performance. Participating sponsors included Noven Pharmaceuticals,
Wal-Mart, tropical Financial Credit Union and Lions for the Blind.
Breakfast was sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company, American Fruit &
Produce and Susie Wahab and lunch was sponsored by Burger King, Lions for
the Blind and Sonia Zamora.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired celebrated White Cane
Day in Miami on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. An estimated 200 people of all ages
led by Grand Marshals Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and State Representative Luis Garcia walked
from
Miami Lighthouse, at 601 S.W. 8th Ave., east down 7th Street, across to
8th Street, and then continued the celebration with food, music featuring
Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ musicians,
keynote speakers and special presentations. “I am honored and excited to
serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s White Cane Day,” said Mayor Gimenez.
“Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is one of Miami-Dade County’s premiere
non-profit organizations, and they have organized a fun-filled day aimed
at educating the public on blindness issues and raising awareness of the
White Cane Law, which protects blind and visually impaired pedestrians.”
White Cane Day is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who
are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness, the
white cane. The signature sponsor of the event, Waste Pro USA, unveiled a
new “Side Door Service Program,” for blind and visually impaired
attendees, a door service trash pick-up, one of the first of its kind.
This year’s event included keynote speakers Paul Edwards, President of the
Florida Council of the Blind and Earl Oaks, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, Greater Miami-Dade Chapter. Participating
sponsors included Waste Pro USA and Noven Pharmaceuticals. Breakfast was
sponsored by Lions Club Miami-Guatemala and Starbucks and lunch was
sponsored by Burger King, Lions Home for the Blind, FUZE, and American
Fruit and Produce. Special recognition was given to Michelle Levy and her
team at the Division of Blind Services, as well as, District Governor Juan
Tejera and participating Lions.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired celebrated White Cane
Day in Miami on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011. Almost 200 people walked from Miami
Lighthouse across 8th Street and down to 7th Avenue, raising awareness
about the White Cane Laws. White Cane Day commemorates the independence of
the blind and visually impaired community. “White Cane Day is important
for Miami-Dade County residents because it makes people more aware of the
tools used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired that allow
them to lead independent, productive lives,” said Virginia A. Jacko,
President & CEO of Miami Lighthouse. “White Cane Day is even more special
for us this year, as Miami Lighthouse celebrates its 80 years of service
along with the abilities and achievements of people with blindness or
visual impairments.”
This year’s event included a ceremony honoring outgoing Florida Division
of Blind Services District Administrator Gail Sterner which was presented
by Paul Edwards, Chair of Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind,
and Virginia A. Jacko. The White Cane Day Grand Marshals were Florida
State Representative Luis Garcia and City of Miami Commissioner Francis
Suarez, and the keynote speaker was David New, Founder of Ability
Explosion.
We thank Amerigroup Community Care the signature sponsor of the event and
our other event sponsors: Noven Pharmaceuticals, breakfast sponsored by
Miami Guatemala Lions Club, Starbucks and Arahis Bakery, lunch provided
through the generosity of Burger King and Lions for the Blind.
2010 Miami Lighthouse Celebrated White
Cane Day on October 15th
Friday, Oct. 15th was White Cane Day in Miami and across
the nation. The blind and visually impaired community of Miami-Dade County
assembled at Miami Lighthouse to commemorate this historic day celebrating
the independence of the blind and visually impaired community.
More than 150 participants of all ages walked from the
Miami Lighthouse, across 8th Street and down to 7th Avenue and then
continued the celebration with food and music. The keynote speaker for
this year was Sandra Hix, President of the Local Chapter of the National
Federation of the Blind. The event was sponsored by Standard Chartered
Private Bank and Amerigroup Community Care. According to board director
John Harriman, Senior Director of Standard Chartered and Grand Marshall of
the White Cane Day walk, “It is fitting that our bank sponsored this
important event as our motto is ‘Seeing is Believing’ and today our bank
is celebrating World Sight Day.” Steven Roca from Amerigroup Community
Care accepted a plaque honoring Amerigroup’s continued dedication to
supporting White Cane Day over the years.
The walk included program participants from the Miami
Lighthouse, many representatives from the community, especially members
from the local Coral Way Colombian Lions Club who provided the breakfast,
American Legion Honor Guard and other community leaders. Lunch was
provided through the generosity of Burger King Store 12778. Standard
Chartered provided the White Cane Day tee shirts for all participants.
For the Miami-Dade and Monroe County individuals who are
blind or have significant vision impairment, White Cane Day is considered
to be “Independence Day,” symbolized by the white cane and dog guide that
assist many people for safe travel and mobility. The long white cane and
guide dog also represent the ability to live independently and contribute
to the community.
2010 White Cane Day Pre-Event
Celebration at My Destiny Banquet Hall
Sponsored by City National Bank and
Union de Ciegos Hispanos en Estados Unidos, Inc.
Over 175 Miami Lighthouse clients, staff members and guests attended the
Miami Lighthouse White Cane Day Pre-Event Celebration on Friday, September
24 at My Destiny Banquet Hall. Guests enjoyed a night of music, delicious
food and dancing, as well as numerous prizes raffled off to guests. Raffle
prizes included a 60-Minute Swedish Massage Session donated by Magda
Bibiana Peralta L.M.T, an Avon basket donated by Lourdes Rodriguez, an
O’Mara’s Irish Cream gift set and Sony CD AM/FM Cassette Recorder donated
by Hugo Meneses, a Goya gift basket donated by Goya Foods of Florida,
Inc., a still life painted and donated by Zara Mekertin and a Fitness
Evaluation and Personal Training session donated by The Personal Touch
Fitness.
Special thanks to pre-event sponsors: City National Bank and
Union de Ciegos Hispanos en Estados Unidos Inc., as well as those that
attended. All White Cane Day event proceeds will benefit the Social Group
Activities (SGA) Program. SGA offers leisure activities for adults at the
Miami Lighthouse that aid in perfecting dexterity necessary for Braille.
Field trips to local parks, museums and other areas of interest, group
discussions and language classes are also available.
White Cane Day festivities will take place on October 15 at the Miami
Lighthouse for the Blind beginning at 8:30 am. All are encouraged to
attend and take part in the walk for White Cane Safety. For more
information click on the Upcoming Events, White Cane Day at the top left
section of this web page.
2009 White Cane Day
Celebration
More than 150
clients and guests gathered at Miami Lighthouse on October 15th to
celebrate National White Cane Day. Attendees participated in a walk around
Little Havana accompanied by City of Miami Police Commander David Sanchez
and fellow officers. Following the walk, keynote speaker Paul Edwards,
Director of Access Services at Miami-Dade College North Campus, and Dan
Howe of the Miami-Dade Office of ADA Coordination addressed the crowd
about the importance of the White Cane Laws and the rights of blind and
visually impaired pedestrians. Special thanks to event sponsor, AMERIGROUP
Community Care, the Coral Way Colombian Lions Club for providing
breakfast, and Burger King & Lions for the Blind, Inc. for providing
lunch.
2008 White Cane Safety Day
Miami Lighthouse
Board Member John Harriman, President & CEO Virginia A. Jacko and John
Clapp led the White Cane Safety Day Walk-a-Thon October 15. White Cane
Safety Day, a national observance, educates the public on blindness issues
and the White Cane Law, which protects blind and visually impaired
pedestrians. This year’s keynote speaker was Danelle D'Aquanni Umstead, a
visually impaired female athlete currently training to compete as an
alpine ski racer in the 2010 Paralympics.
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