The El Paso Lighthouse for the Blind Capital Campaign
A Personalized Commitment for the Preservation of the Lighthouse Legacy
In past years, strong support from the local community and gifts from corporations and foundations greatly invigorated the programs and endeavors at the El Paso Lighthouse for the Blind. As a nonprofit organization, the Lighthouse has relied solely on private gift support along with light manufacturing contracts to continue its operations and mission. Additionally, it has not been designated a United Way agency for nearly a decade.
During some recent lean years, professional staff have had to be terminated and several important Lighthouse programs were forced to close due to lack of funding and intense competition with other nonprofit agencies. Time has also taken its toll on the 25-year-old Lighthouse facility which is in need of total renovation in order to meet current ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Until such renovation is completed, the Lighthouse is unable to bid for or accept light manufacturing contracts that could build its visually impaired work force.
The El Paso Lighthouse for the Blind remains on the forefront in the war against the helplessness, isolation, and fear of those who have lost their sight. The need for its services has grown and, in fact, has never been greater. If the Lighthouse is to be maintained and capable of serving the rapidly growing blind and visually impaired of El Paso County, it must rise to the challenge of conducting a $2.0 million Capital Campaign which is being aided by an El Paso Community Development Grant.
Based on a detailed needs assessment, the Lighthouse is seeking support and personalized commitment from those who had a part in the founding and growth of the organization, as well as from individuals, foundations, corporations and local businesses who wish to share in the mission to renovate the facility and bring it up to ADA standards. The Lighthouse is working to establish endowment funds which will be used to develop permanent income for new and ongoing programs and to reinstate rehabilitative and vocational programs which have been discontinued due to a lack of funding.
Gifts and Endowments
A contribution to the El Paso Lighthouse for the Blind Capital Campaign may be a one-time cash gift or a pledge up to three years. You may wish to leave your gift unrestricted for a particular area of need, or restrict your gift to a specific program or service at the Lighthouse. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be listed on the "Wall of Honor" display to be located in the lobby area of the renovated building. Major naming opportunities are available for foundations, families, or businesses based on certain gift levels. Through this campaign, you may also choose to make your gift in "memory" or "honor" of a loved one. Some donors may choose to make a one-time gift of stocks, bonds, real estate, or life insurance policies. There are various forms of planned giving that offer benefits both to the donor and to the campaign.
A $10,000 gift to create a permanent endowment fund benefiting the Lighthouse is a gift which will last forever in the name designated by the donor. The principal of the endowment will remain intact and will be vested with the El Paso Lighthouse Foundation. The interest and profit from the endowment will be used for the purpose directed by the donor. An endowment may be left unrestricted for areas of greatest need at the Lighthouse or directed to a specific program or service.
Please give generously. Your generosity will help to rebuild a new and vibrant Lighthouse that will shine in this West Texas desert region for years to come.
For more information contact: Capital Campaign Director
El Paso Lighthouse for the Blind
200 Washington Street, El Paso, TX 79905
915-532-4495 · Fax 915-532-6338