ST. LOUIS SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED IS SET TO HOLD THEIR 2024 VISIONARY GALA: VISIONS IN BLACK AND WHITE, ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024.

The annual gala will take place at the Algonquin Country Club on Berry Road.

St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired presents their annual Visionary Gala on Saturday, April 6 at the Algonquin Golf Club. This year’s theme is Visions in Black and White. The Gala chairs are Bing Dempewolf, and husband and wife team, Kenneth and Maria Tabb. Bing is the CEO of TAI-CHI Consulting, which is a full-service Human Resources and Business Strategy firm and is a member of the SLSBVI Board of Directors. Ken and Maria are founders of BBAT Technologies & Digital Services LLC, an IT and digital services company and BBAT Enterprises LLC, a wellness and health company. Ken is also a Board member and he and Maria participate on Society’s Minority Advisory Board and the DEI Roundtable. It is a conglomerate of non-profits and organizations who service the blind and visually impaired community and are making a concerted effort to reach underserved populations in the St. Louis Metro area.

             Bing Dempewolf                             Kenneth Tabb                                   Maria Tabb

The three chairs believe in the mission of St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired and wholeheartedly invest of their time to the organization, the Gala, and Minority Advisory Board. Dempewolf and the Tabbs, along with the planning committee, are excited to introduce the 2024 Visionary Gala theme: Visions in Black & White. Gala attendees are encouraged to dress in creative formal black and white attire while several concepts including high contrast tools for those with vision loss and the combination of light and dark during the upcoming solar eclipse culminate to celebrate this theme.

Ken Tabb who started out as a client of Society said, “Diagnosed with macular edema and glaucoma in 2015, I underwent multiple treatments and surgeries, leading me to SLSBVI. This experience not only provided critical support but also a newfound purpose. Now, as a proud board member, I am a testament to the life-changing work and transformative impact of the Society.”

“This gala is not just an event; it is a celebration of vision, resilience, and inclusivity,” said Maria Tabb. “Together, we can make a difference and ensure that individuals with visual impairments have the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

Bing Dempewolf added, “Supporting St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired has become more than a commitment; it is a meaningful and integral part of our lives. We are truly honored and thrilled to serve as chairs for the upcoming Visionary Gala, the single most important benefit for the Society. The remarkable services and unwavering support system provided by this organization have touched our hearts profoundly. Please join us in supporting them.”

The Visionary Gala is the Society’s premier fundraising event and will once again be emceed by Jasmine Huda of Fox Channel 2 News. The James Brooks Award will be presented to Dr. Stephen Waltman (posthumously) and to his wife, Prof. Gillian Roper-Hall. The Community Light Award will be presented to Premiere Eye Associates of Festus, Missouri. The Gala will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Algonquin Golf Club on Berry Road. Tickets can be purchased at: https://one.bidpal.net/2024visionarygala or by calling 314-968-9000. Sponsorships are still available! For information, contact Megan Connelly, Director of Development at development@slsbvi.org or call 314-968-9000.

About St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired 

Since 1911, Society has been enhancing independence, empowering individuals, and enriching the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. Caring, qualified staff provide low vision medical exams and therapy, daily living adaptations, assistive technology, travel training, social work, and support services to more than 1,100 people every year.  

For further information on St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, please visit their website at https://www.slsbvi.org. 

They are also on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.