Blindness Group Seeks Help

HAMDEN — The Foundation Fighting Blindness-CT Affiliate is asking members of the community to help it in a fund raising effort.

According to Len Roberto, president of the Foundation Fighting Blindness-CT Affiliate, there are no out-of-pocket costs for those who decide to help and there is no volunteer work to be done.  “The money we raise,” he said, “comes from the SNET long distance calls made by citizens of our community.

Mr Roberto explained how this works.  SNET instituted a program in 1996 called community connections.  Once a non-profit group like the Foundation Fighting Blindness-CT Affiliate with 501c3 or c4 status signs up to participate, the group contacts people who are already SNET long-distance customers or those willing to become SNET customers and then five percent of the cost of their calls is donated to the group.

Mr Roberto said the Foundation Fighting Blindness CT-Affiliate will use any money it receives from SNET to strengthen its efforts to provide information, support and fund raising to help find a cure for retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and usher syndrome.  “Our program,” he said, “has been a great benefit to those who require our services.”

Anyone wishing to help the Foundation Fighting Blindness-CT Affiliate may call 800/635-SNET and tell them that you wish to participate in the community connections program and you wish your five percent to be donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness-CT Affiliate Account number C2661.