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History & Information
The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology has been a Charity Partner with the Detroit Free Press and its Run for a Reason program since 2005. This association provides another excellent opportunity for the DIO to bring together the sighted and visually impaired communities.
Each year thousands of walkers and runners take part in the Marathon and register on line at the Free Press Marathon web site. Each marathon registrant is a potential supporter for DIO. The DIO’s mission statement and a few words about our programs, is often just enough information to have people we don’t’ even know, sign up to walk, run, and donate on line in support of the DIO. It would be difficult to put a dollar value on this remarkable marketing and public relations opportunity. Over the years we have encouraged those visually impaired support group members, who are able, to register for the marathon and walk with a sighted partner. We call this our “Lend an Arm” program. Registered sighted walkers who wish to help are paired with a visually impaired support group member. They often meet beforehand to get in a few practice walks to make sure they will be able to walk well together on the big day.
Art Van Furniture has been a generous signature sponsor of the DIO in this event since 2006. We have additional sponsorship opportunities ranging from $2500 to $50. Sponsorships, donations and pledges have made “Steps for Sight” an important annual fundraising event for the DIO. This year’s Detroit Free Press Marathon is Sunday, October 17, 2010. To learn more about how you can support the DIO call 313-824-4710. To register for the 2010 Free Press Marathon and support the DIO go to http://www.detroitmarathon.com Click on Charity Options and select the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology as your charity of choice. Thank You.
