Featuring adventurer and best-selling author Erik Weihenmayer as our Keynote Speaker, and Carol Jenkins, Emmy Award-winning television journalist, author, and longtime advocate for equality as our Emcee, this milestone event honors VISIONS legacy, celebrates today’s impact, and launches a bold vision for the future.
New York – As the leading causes of vision loss continue to rise nationwide, and advances in accessible technology reshape what is possible, VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a nonprofit serving individuals throughout New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Northern New Jersey, will mark its 100th anniversary with a Centennial Gala on June 16, 2026 at the historic New York Athletic Club on Central Park South.
Since its founding in 1926, VISIONS has grown into one of the region’s most trusted resources for people across the spectrum of vision loss. Participants of all ages learn to adjust to life with vision loss, maintain their independence, travel safely, build workplace and technology skills, and are able to access social, recreational, and wellness programs. Services are supported by private donations, government funding, philanthropy, and community partners.
The evening will feature Keynote Speaker Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to summit Mount Everest and founder of No Barriers USA. Weihenmayer’s life work, spanning global expeditions, disability advocacy, books, films, and leadership development, reflects VISIONS mission to ensure that people with visual impairments can pursue opportunity without limits.
Carol Jenkins, Emmy Award-winning television journalist, author, and longtime advocate for equality, will serve as the Emcee for the evening. Carol had a twenty-five-year career as one of New York City’s leading anchors and correspondents at WNBC-TV. Her work included coverage of the historic release of Nelson Mandela from a South African prison, as well as U.S. presidential and New York City politics. She is currently the founding host of the award-winning interview program Black America, now in its 11th season of conversations on the City University of New York’s television station. The program won a 2025 national Telly Award as Best Interview Program for its interview with filmmaker Spike Lee. Her presence will help guide our Centennial celebration.
VISIONS Centennial Gala will honor Jim Holland, Vice President of Technical Services Delivery Group at UPS, VISIONS Board Member, and a longtime corporate and individual supporter whose leadership has helped modernize critical technology infrastructure at VISIONS Center on Blindness; and Harriette K. and Burton M. Strauss Jr., whose deep roots and family’s support of VISIONS spans four generations, leaving a legacy of board leadership and advocacy.
In addition, VISIONS will present the Inaugural Nancy D. Miller Staff Achievement Award to Nancy D. Miller, Executive Director/CEO Emerita, in recognition of her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on the organization.
Building on this legacy of leadership, Molly Eagan assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of VISIONS in July, 2025. With more than 30 years of leadership in public health and human services, she brings a proven track record overseeing large-scale, community-based programs serving thousands of individuals and families. Known for her commitment to equity, innovation, and client-centered care, Molly is guiding VISIONS into its next century with a focus on strengthening its impact for people across the spectrum of vision loss.
“Our Centennial Gala is a moment to honor the past while building a bold future. For 100 years, we have ensured that people experiencing vision loss remain independent, confident, and connected in daily life. These new initiatives will allow us to meet the growing needs of people living with vision loss with innovation, compassion, and excellence.”
Looking ahead, VISIONS is preparing major initiatives for the future:
- Developing the Summit Innovation Center, a first-of-its-kind assistive technology to design and test the next generation of accessible tools.
- Revitalizing VISIONS campus in Rockland County with modernized dormitories, cabins, and shared spaces to enhance year-round rehabilitation, education, and recreation, as well as enhancing the adaptive sports and recreational facilities.
VISIONS thanks the following organizations for their support: Fiduciary Trust International, FISD (Flik Independent Dining Services), Goldman Sachs Gives, HPE, Waymo, 1919 Investment Counsel, Douglass Winthrop Advisors LLC, Pfizer, UPS, Corebridge, Gallagher, NDNY Architecture & Design, New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, EFK/Cross Insurance, and Valley Bank.
If you know someone who is blind, losing their vision, or needs vision-loss support, e-mail info@visionsvcb.org.
Media Contacts:
Russell C. Martello
VISIONS Chief Development Officer
rmartello@visionsvcb.org
(212) 219 – 4075
Amy Gordon
VISIONS Senior Director of Fundraising & Partnerships
agordon@visionsvcb.org
(201) 819 – 8656
Media Assets Available Upon Request
About VISIONS
Founded in 1926, VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit organization providing services to more than 8,000 individuals annually throughout New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Northern New Jersey. With a staff bringing a combined 450 years of vision-related expertise, VISIONS helps people across the spectrum of vision loss remain independent, confident, and connected to daily life, while also educating the public about their capabilities and needs. Services are delivered in the home and community, at VISIONS Older Adult Center in Manhattan, and at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB), its year-round residential facility in Spring Valley. VISIONS has ranked #1 in New York State for more than a decade in supporting people with visual impairments to secure meaningful employment. No one is turned away for an inability to pay. For more information, visit www.visionsvcb.org.