Meet our Donors

Ordinary people are showing extraordinary generosity by contributing to ABVI-Goodwill. These members of our community show that kindness is evident in people from all walks of life – with different income levels, professions, and passions.

Each one of these individuals represents the very best humanity has to offer. Because of their indelible love of life and concern for others, they remind us all that we, too, can make a difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Giving Back, Year after Year, to a Friend

Toby Cherry started giving to ABVI-Goodwill back in 1993 and has contributed toward our mission every year since. As the Director of Human Resources at Paychex, Inc., she knows the value of human capital and how valuable the vision rehabilitation specialists at ABVI-Goodwill are to our community.

She is grateful for her own personal experience with ABVI-Goodwill and the wonderful things that we do for people who are blind or visually impaired. “The agency has done so much to help people function normally. ABVI-Goodwill is a good friend to many.”

Railroad enthusiast, Baseball fan, and Philanthropist

Bob McKnight’s life has been associated with writing about the railway industry. For 22 years he was the associate editor of The Railway Age, then eight years as the editor of Railroad Magazine, and then on to eight years with the Association of American Railroads. Once he retired, Bob wrote a book, You Can’t Beat the Train, which is now being published.

Bob has first hand appreciation for the services ABVI-Goodwill provides. A couple of years ago he experienced vision loss. He came to ABVI-Goodwill and received services and visual aids that help him continue his writing and other things he enjoys.

Bob is a baseball fan and occasionally goes to a Rochester Red Wings game. He is also interested in helping a few select non-profits in Rochester. He shared: “I decided to give locally and chose ABVI-Goodwill and a few other organizations to give to. I want my donations to go to the local people. I chose ABVI-Goodwill because they helped me and I am grateful.”

A Family Connection

Bill and Judy Davis have a son who has received services and has been employed by the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ABVI) – Goodwill for many years. Their family knows first hand how important it is to donate to ABVI-Goodwill so others like their son will benefit from the programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Over the years they have contributed financially to ABVI-Goodwill and have encouraged the Irondequoit Lions Club and other Lions Clubs in the area to do the same so that the programs can continue and be expanded to serve a wide range of people. They have seen much growth within the agency and believe in its mission. They are grateful for ABVI-Goodwill and plan to continue supporting the programs and services.

An Artist With Vision

In 1992 I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, which caused total loss of center vision in my right eye. To prevent the loss of vision in my left eye, Dr. Steven Rose and his associates (Retina Associates of Western New York), have periodically treated me with Photo Dynamic Laser Surgery and shots of Avastin in my left eye. These treatments have proven successful, preventing further loss of vision, for which I am extremely grateful and appreciative to Dr. Rose.

Art has always been an important interest in my life. Therefore, in 1997, at the age of 73, I was determined, in spite of the loss of vision, to expand my artistic knowledge. I attended art classes, and with the use of magnifying glasses and good lighting, I was able to paint.

My art classes continue now, not only for the skill I'm gaining, but also for the camaraderie my classmates and I share. After 11 years of working together, we have become close friends and enjoy social activities. My early works of art were given to my family, especially nieces and nephews, and signed affectionately "Aunt Marie". This explains my trademark signature, which I continue to use today. My oil paintings are signed "With Love" and a wish for good health and happiness.

For close to 100 years, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) have been helping people who are totally blind or afflicted with severe vision loss. They offer many programs and services so that these people can achieve their highest level of independence in all aspects of life.

With much determination and perseverance, I am able to continue my painting, now at the age of 84. I am very happy and pleased to contribute a portion from the sales of my paintings to aid with ABVI’s helpful services.

Role Model and Philanthropist

ABVI-Goodwill’s history is rich with stories of personal triumph over adversity, but rarely does a story top that of Mr. Shirley Skinner, who has contributed much in dollars and time to improving career and training services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Blind from childhood, Mr. Skinner overcame multiple ineffective medical treatments and surgeries to own a chicken farm, manage a trucking company, work as a computer programmer at ABVI-Goodwill and at the University of Rochester, and become a successful real estate investor. He also served on the ABVI-Goodwill Board of Directors, was a member of the Penfield Lions Club and currently volunteers for SEAFISH.

Mr. Skinner looks back on his successful career, his time at ABVI-Goodwill, his long-standing interest in computers and his time as a real estate investor with great pride. He attributes much of his success to his late wife, Nancy, who was also blind. She contributed greatly to their prosperous experience in business. Mr. Skinner is a role model to people who are blind or visually impaired who want to achieve job-readiness skills and advance in their professional careers. He has generously given to ABVI-Goodwill to assist others who are blind with their career goals.