New Vision’s 20th Birthday
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of New Vision for Independence—two decades of empowering people with vision loss to live full, independent lives.
Enjoy lunch, stories from our journey, and the company of those who’ve helped make our mission possible.
Let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to a bright future together!
- When: Friday, July 18 ay 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Pl., Leesburg
- Food: lunch catered by Carrabba’s, birthday cupcakes by Compassion Confection Co.
- Cost:
- $20 per person
- $200 per sponsored table of 8 (includes logo on table and other promotion)
Every event hosted by New Vision exists for the purpose of sharing our mission and services with the community. By keeping our events mission-focused, we can inform and involve the community about vision loss, reducing negative perceptions and making the world increasingly more “blind-friendly.”
New Vision holds these events annually:
Dining in the Dark
Experience food, drink and conversation in a new way: in this unique dining experience, you will eat dinner in darkness. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, as part of a training exercise, will serve you wearing night vision goggles. The annual Dining in the Dark fundraiser event for New Vision for Independence will showcase that blindness does not have to be a barrier to independence.
- When: March 5, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Where: Venetian Center, Leesburg
Email Chantel at cbuck@newvisionfl.org to reserve your table/tickets for next year’s event. Prices are not yet available.
Sensational Egg Hunt
Get ready for the ultimate Easter adventure! New Vision for Independence is hosting our 10th Annual Sensational Egg Hunt—a magical, fully accessible celebration designed for children who have vision loss and is open to kids of all ages and abilities. Join us on April 19, 2025, at our new office in Leesburg, where kids will embark on a one-of-a-kind egg hunt that engages ALL the senses!
This isn’t just about beeping eggs (though we’ll have those, too!). We’re transforming Easter into a full sensory experience with:
- Tactile egg hunts—where kids search by touch
- Scented surprises—sniff out hidden goodies
- Tasty treats—because Easter should be delicious
- Movement-based fun—engaging balance, body awareness, and coordination
- Hot & cold sensations—exploring temperature in creative ways
And of course, the Easter Bunny’s blind brother, Bob, is making a special appearance! He’ll be ready for photos, high-fives, and some egg-stra fun surprises.
All kids under 13 are invited, but our sighted participants will be required to wear a blindfold to participate.
- When: Saturday, April 19 from 10-12 (event held the day before Easter)
- Where: New Vision’s new office at 901 W. Main St., Leesburg
Register by April 14, 2025 to be guaranteed an Easter basket! When registering, please let us know if your family would benefit from any special considerations to make your experience more pleasant. We have PECS cards handy for our non-verbal friends.
This event has been made possible by: Leesburg Kiwanis Noon and Fruitland Park Lions.
White Cane Day Events
Every year we plan a series of events to spread the word about White Cane Awareness Day (October 15). These events, planned in conjunction with our Advocacy Committee, aim to inform our legislators, business community, and the public at large both of the challenges faced by those with vision loss but also of the abilities and contributions of our visually-impaired neighbors.
“The chief handicap of the blind is not blindness, but the attitude of seeing people towards them.” -Helen Keller
Close Your Eyes
In honor of National White Cane Day, walk the walk blindfolded at our annual Close Your Eyes event.
By attending, you’ll:
- Participate in interactive activities around downtown Leesburg (hint: recruit a partner and wear comfy shoes!) and
- Show your support for the full inclusion of blind Americans in our community.
- When: October 15, 2025 | 10-11:30 a.m.
- Where: New Vision’s office at 901 W. Main St., Leesburg
Every year since 1964, October 15 has been deemed National White Cane Safety day. In 2011, “Blind Americans Equality Day” was adopted, but no matter the name the goal is the same: ensure and champion the full participation of blind Americans in every facet of our society, every day.
White Cane Walk
Celebrate National White Cane Day— join us for a White Cane Walk. Bring your cane, dog guide, or human guide.
- When: tbd
- Where: Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages