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Donors Support "Acts of Kindness"

By Jessica Atkinson, Coordinator, Marketing and Community Relations, Office of Institutional Advancement

This spring, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Foundation hosted “Acts of Kindness” at Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham. Thanks to generous donors, the event raised over $150,000 to support AIDB’s programs throughout Alabama!

“AIDB is an amazing organization, serving wonderful students and consumers across the state,” said Dennis Gilliam, Ed.D., President, AIDB. “I am very proud of what our staff, students, partners and donors accomplish every day and truly appreciate our donors’ investment in what we do.”

The event included a performance by optimist, actor, arts educator and disability inclusion consultant, Alie B. Gorrie joined by students from Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama.

“I have been part of the AIDB Foundation Board of Directors for quite some time and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the amazing impact that is made when our philanthropic partners come together,” said Mike Royer, Retired/Consultant at The University of Alabama WVUA and President of the AIDB Foundation. “Since 1980, the AIDB Foundation has raised private funds to supplement an appropriation from the Alabama Legislature for educational services. Through Foundation funds we are able to build new facilities, provide our students with the most innovative technology and deliver on our promise of limitless opportunities.”

The event also featured a live auction of artwork painted during the event by AIDB students and renowned artists Laurel Browning of Trussville, Eli Cobb of Decatur, Madison Faile of Birmingham, David Garrett of Birmingham and Rhonda Sims of Wetumpka. After the auction, guests attended a special screening of the play “Sister Act” performed by Red Mountain Theatre in collaboration with The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Theatre.

 “We sincerely appreciate the sponsors and donors who made 'Acts of Kindness' a success! It was a wonderful night for the Birmingham community to learn more about the AIDB story and for our students to showcase their limitless talent,” said Becky Watson, Executive Director of the AIDB Office of Institutional Advancement and the AIDB Foundation. “The funds raised from this event will be used to support the AIDB mission as we work, every day, to prepare individuals to reach their limitless potential by providing superior staff, facilities, training and programs. We are better together and together we are limitless!”

This event was made possible through the support of these generous sponsors:

Title Sponsor: Honda Manufacturing of Alabama.

Gold Sponsors: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation, Barganier Davis Williams Architects Associated, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, The Caring Foundation.

Silver Sponsors: Alabama Power Company Foundation, Bailey-Harris Construction, Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins & Ogle, P.C., Brasfield & Gorrie, Champ Creative, The Collat & Goedeke Family, Comer Companies, Diversified Supply, Inc., First Bank of Alabama, Jeff and Marie Gaskin and Family, Hutto Construction, Inc., Dr. Michael Kulovitz, Medical Properties Trust, Powersouth Energy Corporation, Southpoint Bank, and Mr. & Mrs. Steve Rice