Dear Lions and Ladies:
I suppose you have heard the legend that represents
opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every
door but once, and if the door isn't opened quickly,
she passes on, never to return. And that is as it
should be. Lovely, desirable ladies won't wait. You
have to go out and grab'em.
I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I
want to be adopted. The legend doesn't say what you
are to do when several beautiful opportunities present
themselves at the same door. I guess you have to
choose the one you love best. I hope you will adopt
me. I am the youngest here, and what I offer you is
full of splendid opportunities for service.
The American Foundation for the Blind is only four
years old. It grew out of the imperative needs of the
blind, and was called into existence by the sightless
themselves. It is national and international in scope
and in importance. It represents the best and most
enlightened thought on our subject that has been reach-
ed so far. Its object is to make the lives of the
blind more worthwhile everywhere by increasing their
economic value and giving them the joy of normal
activity.
Try to imagine how you would feel if you were suddenly
stricken blind today. Picture yourself stumbling and
groping at noonday as in the night; your work, your
independence, gone. In that dark world wouldn't you
be glad if a friend took you by the hand and said,
"Come with me and I will teach you how to do some of
the things you used to do when you could see"? That
is just the kind of friend the American Foundation is
going to be to all the blind in this country if seeing
people will give it the support it must have.
You have heard how through a little word dropped from
the fingers of another, a ray of light from another
soul touched the darkness of my mind and I found my-
self, found the world, found God. It is because my
teacher learned about me and broke through the dark,
silent imprisonment which held me that I am able to
work for myself and for others. It is the caring we
want more than money. The gift without the sympathy
and interest of the giver is empty. If you care, if
we can make the people of this great country care, the
blind will indeed triumph over blindness.
The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To
foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation
for the Blind. Will you not help me hasten the day
when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little
Deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or women
unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your
sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and
kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of
the Blind in this crusade against darkness?
I thank you.
HELEN KELLER
1880-1968
HIGHLIGHTS OF HER REMARKABLE LIFE
- At 19 months stricken with an illness that rendered her blind
and deaf.
- Seven years old before a method to teach her was discovered.
- Then she learned to read by Braille System and to write with
special typewriter.
- 1890 she learned to speak with only one month of study!
- Ten years later she entered Radcliffe College (She graduated
with honors)
- She became an author and lecturer - writing seven books and
lectured throughout the world raising consciousness for the plight
of the physical handicapped and funds for the American Foundation
for the Blind.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB
LINKS