Vines and Grinds benefit raises money for vision-impaired to attend camp

The 7th annual Vines and Grind benefit was held this weekend at the Keltoi Vineyard in rural Oronogo. Over 100 people attended and purchased chili, wings and other edibles.

The event helped Midwest Low Vision raise funds to send blind children and young adults to summer camp.

Calvin Churchwell, CEO of Midwest Low Vision, says modern technology is one thing that makes life easier for those with low or no vision.

“You can connect people with the latest technology that’s out there,” Churchwell says. “A lot of it is existing technology that can be modified. You can modify any computer system.

“Other times we can work with a cell phone or tablet. I don’t care what it is, we can make it work.”

Churchwell, a certified vision rehabilitation specialist, says in a 70-mile radius of Joplin, about 45,000 people have low vision or are blind. He says Midwest Low Vision has worked with people as young as three and as old as 104.

“There is a quality of life out there you can live,” Churchwell comments, “you just have to make the adjustments to get to the point to do what you want to do.”

He says anyone wanting to give to help a blind child or young adult attend camp this year may contact him directly at 417-850-1578.