Thursday, November 2, 2023– The Pinnacle
The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio
History of The Sight Center
Motivated by a belief that people who are blind could live and work independently, Joseph F. Clunk petitioned local leaders to establish an organization that would serve the blind community. Founded in 1923 as The Toledo Society for the Blind by members of the Lions Club, Toledo Rotary, Community Chest, and Chamber of Commerce, The Sight Center has remained committed to an ideal goal that all who are blind or have low vision will live with dignity and respect. Supported since its founding by generous donors, tireless volunteers and dedicated staff, the organization has successfully navigated The Great Depression, World War II, societal changes and technological transformations to remain a strong voice, a trusted partner and a respected leader in service to the community.
Order of Program
Welcome
London Mitchell, Master of Ceremonies
Invocation
Sister Linda Pelagio, The Sight Center Board of Trustees
Voices From the Past
Featuring Bob Ulm, Cliff Smithers, and Jacob King
Special Proclamation
State Senators Theresa Gavarone and Paula Hicks-Hudson
Looking Back
Tim Tegge, Executive Director, The Sight Center
Special Tribute to Madge Levinson
Presentation of the John Goerlich Distinguished Service Award
Randy Schimmoeller, Chair, The Sight Center Board of Trustees
Dani Moran, Program Director, The Sight Center
Sandy Alexander, Goerlich Family Foundation
Looking Forward
Tim Tegge
100 Glimpses: 1923
Closing Remarks
London Mitchell and Tim Tegge
Pre-program music provided by Corey Pappas
Thank you to our Sponsors
Diamond Sponsorship
Buckeye Broadband
Goerlich Family Foundation
Ruby Sponsorship
Area Office on Aging
Mark & Sandra Feldstein Foundation
Emerald Sponsorship
Dawn Christensen
Exceptional Leadership
Randy and Jamie Schimmoeller
Signature Bank
Trust Company Family Offices
Sapphire sponsorship
Eye Centers of Northwest Ohio
Franks N Butts Enterprises
Habitec Security
Premier Wealth
Quality Family Eye Care
Sylvania Lions
Taylor Automotive Family
Walman Optical
Walmart
Founding Board of Trustees
Edward E. Evans, Chair, Dr. Walter H. Snyder, Vice Chair, Arthur Guild, Secretary, Katharine Geddes, Treasurer, Karl Alter, Frank B. Anderson, Stephen Mahon, Earl Newcomer, Clare Skinner, Pearl B. Thompson, Jessie Welles, William B. Welles
2023 Board of Trustees
Randy Schimmoeller, Chair, Angela Jackson, O.D., Vice Chair, Lyndi Sheets, Treasurer, Tony Burek, Amanda Caig, Stacy Franks, Brian Green, Dean Kopan, O.D., Ginny Martin, Sister Linda Pelagio, John Rozic, Rick Russell, Mile Spahr, Tim Tegge, Executive Director
Board Chair History
Edward Evans, John Goerlich, William Marti, Gerald Hazel, James Hackley, Carson Dye, John Lewis, Doug Austin, Todd Hoyt, Tom Pigott, Sakui Malakpa, Tom Zraik, Rebecca Vincent, Cynthia Roepke, Bruce Davis, Jennifer Scroggs, Cathy Sheets, Michael Spahr, Laurie Gross, Diane Ohns, Randy Schimmoeller
Picture of a man crossing a street with a officer. Casper Bihn utilizes a whistle to get assistance crossing a busy Toledo street. Circa 1925.
The John Goerlich Distinguished Service Award
In 1984 The Sight Center Board of Trustees created the John Goerlich Distinguished Service Award to be given annually to a person who has unselfishly served the blind and visually impaired communities.
The Award is named for Mr. John Goerlich whose substantial personal and philanthropic contributions have allowed The Sight Center to flourish for many years.
The 1984 Board of Trustees also chose to honor John Goerlich by naming him the first recipient of the award that year. Tonight we will add another name to this list!
Executive Directors
Dr. Harry S. Will, Grace Jamison, Estelle Parsons, Linda Clark, Lyle Kirk, Don Norwood, Barry McEwen, Gordan Kohler, John Davies, Dawn Christensen, Stacey Franks, Tim Tegge
