In honor of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo, members of the Tucson Society of the Blind are offering the community an opportunity to pony up and support the visually impaired.
The Second Annual TSB Rodeo Concert featuring Rusty Dutton and Band is an expanded two-day fundraiser that seeks to raise at least $3,000 for the nonprofit, which is dedicated to providing educational and social programs, resources and support for the visually impaired.
“The Tucson Society of the Blind makes a big difference in people’s lives. I am so thankful that I got acquainted with the organization 16 years ago when I became affected with macular degeneration,” said society President Erma Seal-Seigler.
Seal-Seigler, who also has glaucoma, said she is thankful to have some vision, but she struggles with a loss of independence due to her inability to drive. She becomes frustrated because she is unable to read and has difficulty performing simple tasks such as opening jars.
“You just can’t do what you used to do. I can’t pick things up, and I have a hard time pouring things and doing other things that require depth perception. You end up with big messes that you then have to try to clean up. It is very depressing to become visually impaired,” she said.
Seal-Seigler is not alone: According to the American Foundation for the Blind, more than 160,000 people in Arizona were impacted by loss of vision in 2015.
In an effort to help, the society offers a community of support with a weekly meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway.
