Christmas Gift of Sight
A Charitable Program
of the Northern Plains Eye Foundation, Christmas Gift of Sight, awards sight-saving surgery to a neighbor in need.
In its first three years, Christmas Gift of Sight has helped six individuals with demonstrated need regain their vision – and more importantly, their independence, mobility and quality of life. People like Rick and Gina.
This Christmas, the Northern Plains Eye Foundation and local eye care professionals are again teaming up to provide sight-saving surgery. A referral by an eye care professional in Rapid City or the surrounding Black Hills begins the process.
Your donation – no matter how large or small – will help us in making the Christmas Gift of Sight possible.
Join us in helping our neighbors in need see Christmas in a whole new light.
Testimonials
After working hard all his life as a self-employed proprietor of a small business, and raising two sons as a single dad,
Rick Marnette could not continue to work without his eye sight.
His cataracts caused sensitivity to light,difficulty in reading, and loss of depth perception,
which created a dangerous situation for someone climbing ladders on a daily basis.
With his Christmas Gift of Sight award, provided through Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, Rick is back on his feet,
and back "in business!" He stated, "I appreciate this more than anyone could know."
Gina Finnell was told she was considered legally blind after experiencing on-going and accelerating problems with her
vision due to complications related to diabetes and high blood pressure. She had to quit working, had no income or
health insurance and was devastated and scared. When Gina was awarded the Christmas Gift of Sight, she was hesitant.
"Did you dial the right number," she asked? The answer, of course, was yes. "This is a wonderful gift. I will remember it as long as I live," Gina said.