Golf Tournament by imi benefits VIPS

Visually Impaired Preschool Services was recently awarded a substantial monetary gift from Irving Materials, Inc. (imi) and their interstate, highway, and road construction division, E&B Paving.  The money was raised by imi and their many sponsors at the second annual Swing for VIPS golf tournament held at the Louisville Audubon Country Club on July 8. 

“VIPS is so grateful for the partnership has created, along with their team of local business members who are making a true difference in the lives of children with blindness or low vision all across Kentucky and Indiana, “said Diane Nelson, Executive Director of VIPS.  “I was astonished last year with their generosity and even more so this year with their gift that exceeded all my expectations.”

This gift will help VIPS provide a portion of a teacher’s salary, a key the very best in direct services to those children birth to 5 years old with low or no vision in Kentucky and Indiana. This gift allows VIPS to employ the exceptional teachers who educate our children throughout Kentucky and Indiana.  

“VIPS is a local organization who is making a huge difference in these kids’ lives,” said Ron Wibbels, imi business development. “We have seen for ourselves where this money goes and it’s right here in our communities.”

VIPS, founded in 1985, is a unique charitable organization dedicated to meeting the critical early intervention needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are blind or visually impaired and to their families.  VIPS has served over 700 children this past year across Kentucky and Indiana and is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of visual impairment.  

Our Kids Town Preschool at VIPS’ campus hosts visitors from around the world wanting to learn more about our Expanded Core Curriculum and best practices.  Kids Town Preschool, a Kentucky 5-Star Center, is a test site for American Printing House for Blind’s new research and materials and is accredited nationally by AdvancED.  VIPS has also been awarded the coveted 4-Star rating by Charity Navigator for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.