Diubles plan fall fundraiser

The Diuble Family: Angela (left), Abby, Lilly, and Scott.

The Diuble Family Vision (DFV) Foundation was formed to fight blindness and be able to impact people’s lives for the better; to support research for treatment of cures, provide public awareness, and to promote the well-being of persons with disabilities or those who are underprivileged.

Currently, DFV has two main projects for which they are prioritizing funding. First, the Foundation has partnered with The Foundation for Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit and the world’s leading private source for retinal disease research funding. FFB is committed to driving research until the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases is eradicated.

The second is the WHIP Project, which focuses on providing alarm systems for hearing-impaired people. You can see more information on the website www.diublefamilyvision.org.

Lilly Diuble established her team for her very first VisionWalk in 2010, when she was just seven years old. Each year since, Lilly, along with her family and friends, raise money for FFB because they believe the money raised to fund research will one day lead to a cure for Lilly’s blinding eye disease.

On November 17, The Diuble Family Vision Foundation is hosting its fifth annual benefit auction fund-raiser event to provide financial support for fighting blindness and the very important research dedicated to finding cures for blinding eye diseases.

The DFV hopes that local businesses and individuals will consider supporting them in the form of a tax-deductible donation of cash/product/gift certificate or service for this annual auction event. All funds raised will go directly to support DFV and its focused causes. As in the past, the event will be held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, located at 5055 Saline-Ann Arbor Road, Ann Arbor.

"We would love for you to attend!" says Angela Diuble, Lilly's mom. "In addition to a donation, another way that you can support our auction is by sponsoring a table. Corporate sponsored tables will be recognized and promoted through our marketing efforts for the event."

DFV is a 501(c)(3) organization and any donation will be 100% tax deductible. Your donation or financial gift supports DFV and its urgent mission to drive research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentsosa, macular degeneration, Usher Syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

"We are driven to help fund a cure not only for Lilly, but for others like her," says Angela. "Also, funds are much needed to provide emergency response alarm systems through our WHIP Project, where seconds can save a life! The outpouring of love and support for Lilly & Abby and their fundraising efforts has been amazing and for that we truly feel blessed!"

If you would like to provide an item for the auction, please call Angela Diuble at 734-649-8543 with any questions or email a contribution pledge to info@diublefamilyvision.org. A volunteer will follow up with you regarding your interest in donating and can at that time arrange a time to pick up the items you are able to donate.

"Please be assured that your contribution will be put to good use!" says Angela.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.