BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Hope in Focus - ECPv6.15.13//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Hope in Focus
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Hope in Focus
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20170101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220921T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220921T193000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20220907T190333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T193338Z
UID:1862-1663781400-1663788600@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:Paddle for Sight
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the last day of summer with a paddle on the Mystic River\, benefiting Hope in Focus and research to treat blindness! \nOn Wednesday\, September 21\, the last day of summer\, join our paddle fundraiser sponsored by Adventure Mystic. Your fee includes a paddleboard or kayak\, paddle\, and life jacket. (Rain date\, Thursday\, September 22.) \nDetails: \n\nRegistration fee includes paddleboard or kayak\, paddle\, and lifejacket rental.\nParticipants must have prior paddleboard or kayak experience and are required to sign the Mystic Adventure Outdoors Sports waiver.\nRain date is Thursday\, September 22\, 2022.\nParking: limited parking is available on a first-come\, first-served basis in the lot behind Adventure Mystic. As our event is on a Wednesday in late September\, if that lot is full\, finding a spot on the street in Mystic shouldn’t be too tricky!\nPaddle time is 5:30pm to 7:30pm\, however paddlers may arrive as early as 5pm at Adventure Mystic to meet us and get set up. After 6:50 new paddlers will not be accepted.\nYetis: If you purchase the paddle ticket with a Hope in Focus Yeti wine tumbler or mug\, you will have a choice of a 1 wine tumbler or Yeti mug\, based on availability. You will also have our sincere gratitude for your additional contribution to our cause!\n\nProceeds of this event benefit Hope in Focus\, a nonprofit 501(c)3 patient advocacy organization dedicated to generating awareness\, raising funds for research\, and providing support\, education and outreach to the Leber congenital amaurosis and rare inherited retinal disease community. Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a rare inherited retinal disease characterized by severe vision loss at birth. While some children are born with little or no vision\, others may have significant vision loss in the first few years of life\, stable vision for a period of time\, and then eventually complete vision loss as the retina deteriorates into total blindness. \nWe look forward to having some fun on the water while raising funds for our mission!
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/paddle-for-sight/
LOCATION:Adventure Mystic\, 15 Holmes Street\, Mystic\, CT\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/293553007_7668255136549777_4510011344863049964_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220228T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220321T170000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20220224T163631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220314T165303Z
UID:1652-1646035200-1647882000@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:Hope in Focus Rare Scavenger Hunt 2022
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready for some fun? \nBack by popular demand for its third year\, this event is a great way to have some fun while driving awareness for rare disease and raising funds for treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis\, a rare form of retinal blindness.  \nGrab your family\, friends\, or co-workers and form a team of up to 5 to complete our “rare”-themed challenges.   \nThere is a suggested minimum donation of $100 per team\, but registration is free and anyone can join in on the fun. The more the merrier! At the end of scavenger hunt\, all teams who have completed their challenges by the deadline will be entered into a drawing.  \n  \nThe prize?  Hope in Focus will make a $250 donation (from the entry contributions) to a 501(c)3 nonprofit of the winner’s choosing! This way you’re not just helping Hope in Focus\, you can also help another charity that is doing important work. \n  \nDetails:  \n\nRegistration opens on Monday\, February 28\, 2022. \nOn the Rare Scavenger Hunt opening day\, Thursday March 10\, you will receive an email with the list of the challenges. We always provide more challenges than you’re required to complete so you can pick and choose which ones your team will tackle. \nTeams can register and join at any time during the event\, but to win you must complete the challenges by the deadline at midnight (EST) on Monday\, March 21\, 2022. \nWe’ve curated a list of challenges that you can complete in-person with your team\, or  with an all-virtual team. (What is Grandma doing these days? How about your college roommate?) \nYou must complete the required tasks and minimum number of challenges to be entered into the drawing to win. \nThe event takes place in a closed Facebook group dedicated to the Rare Scavenger Hunt\, with select challenges involving more public-facing social media to helps us drive awareness of rare disease and Hope in Focus.  Using the private Facebook group does two things: \n\nit allows us to track teams more easily\n(the best thing) we all get to enjoy watching other teams as they attempt TicToc dances\, tell jokes\, juggle\, and generally show off their rare talents. If you needed a reason to smile or giggle a little each day in March\, this is it!\n\n\n\n\nRegister Your Team\n  \nCORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS are a great way to engage your team in our IRD community and the work of Hope in Focus! Sponsorship is $1\,000 and includes brand recognition on our website\, in our social media (Hope in Focus’ public Facebook page\, Twitter\, Instagram\, LinkedIn)\, and in email. Please send us an email at info@hopeinfocus.org so we can get your brand online ASAP.  \nWith special thanks to our corporate supporters!\nAGTC\, Meira GTx\, Spark Therapeutics\, Editas Medicine\, and Janssen
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/hope-in-focus-rare-scavenger-hunt-2022/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211217T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211217T203000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20211208T162242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211215T210125Z
UID:1592-1639767600-1639773000@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:A Toast to Treatments: Holiday Edition
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER NOW  \n  \nRing in the holidays when you join us for a unique blend of holiday cheer\, history and mixology\, with James Beard Award Winner Mixologist Dale DeGroff\, (aka King of Cocktails)! You’ll enjoy a live zoom presentation by Dale that includes a demonstration\, professional tips and tricks\, and the stories behind these three holiday drinks:  \nRitz Cocktail\, Dale’s version of the Ritz cocktails of Paris and Madrid\nHoliday Punch Royale\, perfect for any holiday party\nUncle Angelo’s award-winning Eggnog\, a special light eggnog (yes\, a light eggnog!) that you can make ahead and serve all season long \nDuring this event\, you’ll learn about Dale’s Lemon and Orange shrub – including what a “shrub” is to a mixologist. We’ll give you the recipe to make this ahead\, as well so you can use it as the base in your holiday punch.  \nUpon registration\, we’ll email all of the recipes to you\, so you can be prepared to mix along if you like. You can also access the recipes here. Before the event\, you will receive reminders and a Zoom link to join the live event. This event encourages cameras on – Dale looks forward to seeing you! – but you may also choose to keep your camera off. Whatever is best for you!  \nEvent sponsorship opportunities are available\, and make it possible for your entire team to celebrate with us! See the ticket purchase page for options or contact Courtney at Courtney@hopeinfocus.org.  \nWe encourage you to tell others about this event\, as proceeds benefit Hope in Focus. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue the work of our mission – funding research to treat blindness\, supporting free genetic testing\, providing counseling for individuals with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs)\, and continuing our outreach programs for the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) community. \nWhile registering for this exciting event\, don’t forget to reserve an autographed copy of Dale’s latest book\, The New Craft of the Cocktail!  For an additional $100 contribution to Hope in Focus\, you will receive your autographed copy of Dale’s book by mail. Proceeds from book sales will be used to advance therapies to treat blindness caused by Leber congenital amaurosis. 70% of your book purchase contribution is tax deductible. \nWith many thanks to these corporate supporters \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\nABOUT DALE DEGROFF \nJames Beard Award Winner Mixologist Dale DeGroff developed his techniques tending bar\, most notably at New York’s famous Rainbow Room\, where he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the great classic cocktails. DeGroff has since been credited with reinventing the bartending profession and setting off a cocktail revival.  \nAuthor of The Essential Cocktail and The Craft of the Cocktail (Random House)\, Dale’s influence in the bar world has spanned three decades. He is a partner in the award-winning bar training program\, Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) and founding president of the Museum of the American Cocktail. \nDale’s new book\, The New Craft of the Cocktail\, Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist\, was released in October\, 2020.
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/a-toast-to-treatments-holiday-edition/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/toast_web_banner_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20211022
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20211030
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20200726T234123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210914T173753Z
UID:1208-1634860800-1635551999@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:Bidding in the Dark
DESCRIPTION:Yes\, we are asking you to tap your inner adventurer and philanthropist and bid on items that you might not have all the details around. We call it\, Bidding in the Dark. \nFor all of the items\, we’ve provided some descriptions\, so you’re not completely in the dark. \nFor some of the items\, there are hints. \nFor a few of the items\, we’ve attempted to simulate what the item might look like to someone who has a rare retinal disease. Being blind doesn’t always mean a complete loss of light perception. It might involve loss of one’s central vision\, blurred vision\, extreme sensitivity to light\, night blindness\, color loss\, a limited field of vision or a number of other challenges based on the retinal disease and severity of the condition. \nOnly a few of us experience the challenges of growing up without sight\, or of going to high school and wondering every day if tomorrow morning will be the day you wake up and can no longer see daylight. \nWith your help\, we can make a difference by raising funds for research to treat blindness and to support our rare retinal disease community. We hope that you will join us in supporting us and enjoy this different approach to an online auction! \nGet Started!\nText BIDDARK21 to 76278 so that when bidding opens Oct. 22 you are all ready to go!\nInterested in Sponsoring?\nEmail Courtney Assad at courtney@sofiaseeshope.org \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/bidding-in-the-dark/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210521
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210601
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20210506T120040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210518T121816Z
UID:1443-1621555200-1622505599@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:Scavenger Hunt 2021
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to the Sofia Sees Hope Scavenger Hunt! We launched it last year because of the coronavirus crisis\, when in-person fundraising went dark and we were unable to be with our family and friends in person. It was so fun that we are bringing it back this year\, even as COVID restrictions are being lifted in many places. \nYour (suggested minimum) donation of $100/team to enter will benefit Sofia Sees Hope\, and the education\, outreach and advocacy work we are engaged in. We will also make a donation from the entry contributions to a 501(c)3 nonprofit of the winner’s choosing (up to $250)! This way you can help a charity in your community that is also doing important work. \nThe Scavenger Hunt runs from Friday\, May 21 through Monday\, May 31. On opening day\, you will receive an email with the list of challenges. \nREGISTER YOUR TEAM\nWith special thanks to our corporate supporters!\n                     
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/scavenger-hunt-2021/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ssh_fundraiser_post_graphic-2021.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20210317T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20210317T200000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20210227T193638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210317T134716Z
UID:1409-1616007600-1616011200@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:A Toast to Treatments: St. Patrick's Day Edition
DESCRIPTION:Put on your green and join us for a unique blend of history and mixology\, with James Beard Award Winner Mixologist Dale DeGroff\, (AKA the King of Cocktails)! \nFire up the Zoom and enjoy a live presentation that includes a history of the Irish Coffee\, along with tips\, tricks and the stories behind these Irish-themed cocktails for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration: a Strange Brew (for the beer lovers)\, an Irish Blond\, a Dubliner\, and of course\, the perfect Irish Coffee. Upon registration\, we’ll email the recipes to you\, so you can be prepared to mix along if you like. \nBefore the event\, you will receive a Zoom webinar link to join the live event on Wednesday\, March 17 at 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific (USA/Canada). \nBUY TICKETS\nSponsorship opportunities are available\, and make it possible for your entire team to celebrate on St. Patty’s Day! See the ticket purchase page for options or contact us at info@sofiaseeshope.org. \nWe encourage you to tell others about this event\, as proceeds benefit Sofia Sees Hope. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue the work of our mission – funding research to treat blindness\, supporting free genetic testing\, providing counseling for individuals with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs)\, and continuing our outreach programs for the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) community. \nWhile registering for this exciting event\, don’t forget to reserve an autographed copy of Dale’s newest book\, The New Craft of the Cocktail! For an additional $100 contribution to Sofia Sees Hope\, you will receive your autographed copy of Dale’s book by mail soon after its release. Proceeds from book sales will be used to support the My Retina Tracker Program which provides free genetic testing and counseling for the IRD community. 70% of this contribution is tax deductible. \nTICKETS\n$50.00 (+$3.55 Fee): Your event ticket includes one Zoom login. \n$125.00 (+$7.34 Fee): Event Registration + Autographed Book\nIncludes an autographed copy of Dale’s book\, The New Craft of the Cocktail\, and a discounted Zoom registration link at $25. \n$500.00: Patron Sponsorship\nSupport us as a Patron! Your generosity helps to offset event expenses and increases our fundraising for research to treat blindness. Patrons will be able to receive up to 5 registration links to share with friends\, and your generosity will be recognized on our website and during the event (unless you don’t want us to!). \n$1\,000.00: Corporate Sponsorship\nTreat your team! s a sponsor\, you will receive access for us to 25 team members (25 separate registration links)\, and your brand will be recognized during our presentation\, on our website\, and in social media\, and in email promotions leading up to and following the event. Need more? Contact us to set up a custom sponsorship for your team: info@sofiaseshope.org or 860-556-3119. \nBUY TICKETS\nSponsors
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/a-toast-to-treatments-st-patricks-day-edition/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/toast_web_banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200822T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200822T203000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20200701T151608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200828T160408Z
UID:1176-1598122800-1598128200@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:A Toast To Treatments: A Fundraiser to Benefit LCA and Rare IRD Treatments & Community
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER NOW\nA unique blend of history and mixology\, with two-time James Beard Award-winner and Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff\, (aka King of Cocktails). Invite a few friends\, fire up the Zoom\, and join Dale and Erik Andersson\, Eastern Region Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin\, for “The Evolution of the Martini: From 1888 to the New Millennium.” \nJames Beard Award Winner\, Mixologist Dale DeGroff developed his techniques tending bar\, most notably at New York’s famous Rainbow Room\, where he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the great classic cocktails. DeGroff has since been credited with reinventing the bartending profession and setting off a cocktail revival. Author of The Essential Cocktail and The Craft of the Cocktail (Random House)\, Dale’s influence in the bar world has spanned three decades. He is a partner in the award-winning bar training program\, Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) and founding president of the Museum of the American Cocktail. \nYou’re welcome to mix one or more martinis along with Dale and Erik\, or sit back and sip your beverage of choice while enjoying this mixology event\, and supporting our organization. \nIncrease your support and be the first to receive a signed copy of Dale’s new book\, The New Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist\, with 500 recipes. Your autographed book will be shipped to you directly upon its release on September 22\, 2020 and 100% of the proceeds of this sale will be used to advance research and support free genetic testing and counseling. $70 of this contribution is tax deductible. \n  \nBuy the Book\n  \n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\nThis event is virtual. After registering\, you will receive Zoom registration information\, and an ingredients list. Choose which of the three martinis you would like to try and purchase the ingredients ahead of time to mix right along with our presenters. \nThank you to our sponsors!
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/a-toast-to-treatments/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/dale-degroff-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200426T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200426T160000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20200304T155612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200316T153403Z
UID:1106-1587909600-1587916800@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED: A Rare Opportunity: New York Times Bestselling Author Kody Keplinger
DESCRIPTION:WE HOPE TO RESCHEDULE IN THE FALL. \nSofia Sees Hope presents “A Rare Opportunity: Kody Keplinger\,” New York Times bestselling author who lives with Leber congenital amaurosis. \n \nKody Keplinger was born and raised in small town western Kentucky\, where she began her writing career after penning The New York Times bestseller\, The DUFF\, at age 17. Kody has Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)\, a rare inherited retinal disease (IRD) that causes low vision or blindness\, typically from birth. Join us as Kody reads from her new book\, talks about her writing process and her life as a “confident and proud disabled woman\,” and signs copies of her book. \nShe is the author of nine novels\, including her newest\, LILA AND HADLEY\, about a teenage girl who is losing her vision due to retinitis pigmentosa\, another IRD. \n“A former Kentuckian and legally blind\, Keplinger knows this territory\, literal and figurative\, inside out. A funny\, moving tale\, at once unsparingly realistic and upbeat.” ~ Kirkus Reviews\n \nCome meet Guiding Eyes for the Blind of Southeastern CT guide dogs and local puppy raisers!\n  \n\nSponsors
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/a-rare-opportunity-new-york-times-bestselling-author-kody-keplinger/
LOCATION:La Grua Center\, 32 Water Street\, Stonington\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/kody_eventbrite_cover-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20190703T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20190703T223000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20190504T143826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190506T152044Z
UID:721-1562182200-1562193000@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:New Kids On The Block: The Mixtape Tour
DESCRIPTION:NKOTB Mixtape Tour at Mohegan Sun Arena Skybox\nWednesday\, July 3\, 2019\n7:00 p.m.\nBuy Your Tickets!\nNew Kids On The Block launched their biggest tour in years in May\, and Sofia Sees Hope has scored a skybox at Mohegan Sun Arena! \nJoin us as we travel down Memory Lane on THE MIXTAPE TOUR with NKOTB and VERY special guestsSalt N Pepa\, Tiffany\, Debbie Gibson and Naughty by Nature. \nWOW… can you believe that??? \nEnjoy the concert in style with exclusive viewing access from a private skybox suite overlooking the stage. Experience the energy of the concert and feel like a VIP\, all while supporting Sofia Sees Hope and our mission to drive awareness\, support the rare inherited retinal disease community and fund research for cures and treatments for blindness. \nSKYBOX AMENITIES INCLUDE: \n\nPrivate entrance\nPrivate suite level restrooms\nSpacious seating and accommodations\nLight snacks & cash bar\nBasket raffle\n\nBuy Your Tickets!
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/new-kids-on-the-block-the-mixtape-tour/
LOCATION:Mohegan Sun\, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd\, Uncasville\, CT\, 06382\, United States
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20190330T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20190330T203000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20190212T214918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190308T152545Z
UID:667-1553968800-1553977800@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:A Rare Opportunity
DESCRIPTION:BUY TICKETS\n  \nPlease join us for an evening to raise awareness of rare inherited retinal disease. Join us to learn about vision lost and vision gained and issues facing those with rare disease. \nFeaturing: \n\nNicole Kear\, bestselling author of the memoir “Now I See You\,” about her diagnosis with retinitis pigmentosa.\nChristian Guardino\, Howie Mandel’s 2017 Golden Buzzer winner on America’s Got Talent\, diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis\, who received gene therapy to reverse vision loss.\nSofia Priebe\, sophomore at Ledyard High School who dances and rows\, diagnosed with Leber congenital amaurosis.\nDiana Owen\, Head of School at Pine Point in Stonington. She was diagnosed in her 40s with a macular hole\, a condition that results in change and loss of vision over time.\nHosted by Dr. Amy Bass\, author\, professor and lecturer\n\nTickets\n\n$100 per person\nAdd an autographed copy of “Now I See You” +$25\nAdd an exclusive “Rare Tasting” ticket and enjoy a tasting of four champagnes\, including the aptly named Rare Genisis\, Piper-Heidsieck. Courtesy of Mike Mondello and Mystic Financial Group; +$150 (only 16 available)\n\nJoin us for cocktails and appetizers before the presentation\, and dinner after the presentation. \nDoors open at 6 p.m.\, presentation and panel from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Cocktail attire. \nThank you to our generous sponsors and patrons for supporting this event. All proceeds will benefit Sofia Sees Hope’s programs to support research and patient access to genetic testing. \nPresented by:\nDominion Energy\nEditas Medicine\nBank Square Books\nSimply Majestic\nMystic Financial Group \nWe would also like to thank the following corporate supporters of Sofia Sees Hope:\nMeira GTx\nSanofi Genzyme\nSpark Therapeutics \n  \nBUY TICKETS\n\nAbout the panelists\nAt the age of 19\, Nicole Kear’s biggest concern is choosing a major in college — until she gets a life-changing diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa. She has only a decade or so before she is blind. Kear decides to make the most of the vision she has left. She joins circus school\, tears through boyfriends\, travels the world\, and through all these hi-jinks\, she keeps her vision loss a secret. Told with humor and irreverence\, “Now I See You” is an uplifting story about refusing to cower at life’s curveballs\, about the power of love to triumph over fear. But\, at its core\, it’s a story about acceptance: facing the truths that just won’t go away\, and facing yourself\, broken parts and all. Kear will give a talk on the experiences that led to her memoir. \n  \nIn 2017\, then 17-year-old Long Island resident Christian Guardino stepped onto the America’s Got Talent audition stage\, and blew away the judges with his rendition of the Jackson 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You.” Guardino had undergone experimental eye surgery five years ago as part of a clinical trial for a revolutionary genetic treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis with the RPE65 genetic mutation. Before surgery\, Christian had difficulty seeing even in very bright light\, having slowly lost vision since toddlerhood. \n  \nSofia Priebe is the inspiration for the founding of Sofia Sees Hope. She is a sophomore at Ledyard High School who has LCA and has progressively lost vision since early childhood. Sofia has not let that stop her\, as she pursues her academic career\, dances\, and rows crew. \n  \nDiana Owen is Head of School at Pine Point in Stonington. She was diagnosed in her 40s with a macular hole\, a condition that results in change and loss of vision over time. \n  \n  \nPanel moderator is bestselling author Dr. Amy Bass\, whose 2018 book “One Goal” was named one of the best nonfiction sports books of 2018 by The Boston Globe. \n  \n  \nBUY TICKETS
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/a-rare-opportunity/
LOCATION:Lake of Isles\, 1 Clubhouse Dr\, North Stonington\, CT\, 06359\, United States
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20181209T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20181209T220000
DTSTAMP:20260521T123510
CREATED:20171020T114542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181107T140941Z
UID:262-1544382000-1544392800@old.hopeinfocus.org
SUMMARY:A Pentatonix Christmas Tour
DESCRIPTION:A Pentatonix Christmas Tour at Mohegan Sun Arena Skybox\nSunday\, December 9\, 2018\n7:00 p.m.\nEnjoy the concert in style with exclusive viewing access from a private skybox suite overlooking the stage.  Experience the energy of the concert and feel like a VIP\, all while supporting Sofia Sees Hope and our mission to drive awareness\, support the rare inherited retinal disease community and fund research for cures and treatments for blindness. \nSKYBOX AMENITIES INCLUDE: \n\nPrivate entrance\nPrivate suite level restrooms\nSpacious seating and accommodations\nLight snacks & cash bar\nBasket raffle to support our fundraising efforts
URL:https://old.hopeinfocus.org/event/pentatonix-christmas-tour/
LOCATION:Mohegan Sun\, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd\, Uncasville\, CT\, 06382\, United States
CATEGORIES:fundraiser
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR