Indiana Blind Children's Foundation

10/20/2026

We would like to thank Matt Pelsor at 92.3 WTTS for having 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala keynote speaker Kristin Smedley on the radio yesterday to talk about the Set Extraordinary Expectations (SEE) Presentation she’ll be making at Bosma Enterprises on Thursday, Oct. 22.

In addition to Kristin’s presentation, the program will also include a complimentary dinner and tour of the Bosma Enterprises facility. This session is intended for professionals, parents, and guardians and was made possible by our 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala Keynote Speaker Sponsor, VisionQuest Eyecare.

Learn more about Kristin via her interview with Matt, and be sure to RSVP for the presentation by noon tomorrow if you haven’t already!

RSVP: https://bit.ly/KristinSmedleyinIndy

WTTS In Conversation

10/19/2026

Today officially marks the launch of the 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala Silent Auction!

From Food & Dining to Outings & Experiences, this year’s Silent Auction features 125 unique packages for you to bid on from now through Oct. 24 at 8:30 p.m., when the auction closes. As a reminder, you do not need to be attending our Gala this week in order to bid on these items — our silent auction is open to all. Happy bidding!

Bid Now: bit.ly/2026TTLGSilentAuction

[Photo Description: Alt Text: The image is a red event graphic with large cursive text and several blocks of smaller text. The prominent large word across the middle says, “Gala”.In the upper left, there’s a logo for the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation. In the lower right area, the text reads: Through the Looking Glass PRESENTED BY EYE SURGEONS OF INDIANA Embassy Suites Noblesville.”]

10/16/2026

We would like to thank The Mortgage Exchange for being the Swag Bag Sponsor of the 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala presented by Eye Surgeons of Indiana!

[Photo Description: A red graphic features the text “Through the Looking Glass PRESENTED BY EYE SURGEONS OF INDIANA” below an illustrated eye in the upper left. In the graphic’s upper right, an illustrated pumpkin with green leaves is featured. In the center of the graphic, a white square features the text “SWAG BAG SPONSOR” above the Mortgage Exchange logo.]

10/09/2026

We would like to thank F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Inc. for being the Late Night Snack Pack Sponsor of the 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala presented by Eye Surgeons of Indiana!

[Photo Description: A red graphic features the text “Through the Looking Glass PRESENTED BY EYE SURGEONS OF INDIANA” below an illustrated eye in the upper left. In the graphic’s upper right, an illustrated pumpkin with green leaves is featured. In the center of the graphic, a white square features the text “LATE NIGHT SNACK PACK SPONSOR” above the F.A. Wilhelm Construction logo.]

10/08/2026

This year’s fall-inspired Through the Looking Glass Gala presented by Eye Surgeons of Indiana will feature an artisanal pumpkin patch featuring handcrafted ceramic pumpkins made by students in Leslie Walsh’s art classes at Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired!

Gala attendees will have the choice of purchasing small ceramic pumpkins for $10, medium ceramic pumpkins for $20, and large ceramic pumpkins for $30, with proceeds benefiting IBCF’s mission to empower youth who are blind or have low vision.

Thank you ISBVI students for helping bring these festive pieces of artwork to life, and thank you Bosma Enterprises for serving as this year’s TTLG Gala Student Area Sponsor!

[Photo 1 Description: The photo shows a weathered wooden surface with three glossy ceramic pumpkins sitting in a row outdoors against a background of bright green grass. On the left is a white pumpkin decorated with colorful irregular spots in red, orange, pink, purple, blue, and green. It has a thick, twisted stem painted bright yellow‑green with some darker shading. The pumpkin is plump and rounded, with soft ridges. In the center is a taller, classic pumpkin shape painted bright orange with vertical ridges. Its stem is a curved, hook‑like shape painted light green with some yellowish tones, bending forward in an arc. The surface is shiny and has a few small dark specks that look like intentional details in the glaze. On the right is a smaller pumpkin painted bluish gray with distinct vertical ribs. Its stem is thinner and curves upward and slightly back, painted a pale cream color with scattered dark speckles and a bit of bluish tint near the base. This pumpkin is squat and round, with a high gloss to the glaze.

Photo 2 Description: A photo of a student in an art classroom shaping clay. The student has short, thick, natural black hair styled upward. They are wearing a bright green apron over a black T-shirt and a single light blue disposable glove on the right hand. The student is smiling and facing forward, sitting at a work table. On the table in front of them is a light-colored clay sculpture shaped like a pumpkin, with vertical segments and a curved stem on top.]

10/07/2026

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation, in partnership with Bosma Enterprises and Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, will welcome Kristin Smedley to Indianapolis to make her Set Extraordinary Expectations (SEE) Presentation at Bosma Enterprises, located at 7225 Woodland Dr. A nationally recognized parent advocate, author, TEDx speaker, and Co-Founder and CEO of the Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation, Kristin is the mother of two sons who are blind and has used her family’s journey to inspire others to see possibility over limitation and set extraordinary expectations.

In addition to Kristin’s presentation, this program will also include a complimentary dinner and tour of the Bosma Enterprises facility. This session is intended for professionals, parents, and guardians and was made possible by our 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala Keynote Speaker Sponsor, VisionQuest Eyecare.

Limited spots to the program are available, so be sure to reserve yours today via the RSVP link below.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/KristinSmedleyinIndy

[Photo Description: An event flyer features the above information on Kristin Smedley’s upcoming Set Extraordinary Expectations (SEE) Presentation at Bosma Enterprises on Oct. 22 with a QR code to scan and RSVP.]

10/06/2026

🎉 The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF) is proud to announce that we have received a 2026/27 grant award from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority through the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit (NAP) Program!

Through this award, IBCF has been allocated $10,719 in tax credits, enabling us to raise $21,438 in charitable contributions to further our mission of empowering Indiana youth who are blind or have low vision.

This year's NAP campaign will support the 2027 Indiana Regional Braille Challenge, a one-day event that promotes braille literacy, builds confidence and academic skills, and brings together students, families, and educators from across Indiana. In addition to student competitions, the event provides valuable workshops and panel discussions for families that create lasting impact beyond the day itself.

✅ Donations of $100 or more may qualify for NAP tax credits.
✅ Tax credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
✅ IBCF is currently accepting donations until we reach our $21,438 goal.

Interested in learning more or making a gift?

📧 Laura Alvarado: [email protected]
📞 317-554-2742

Together, we can help ensure Indiana students who are blind or have low vision have the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.

[Photo Description: Students sit at braillewriters in a classroom at Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They all appear focused and are wearing matching yellow shirts.]

10/02/2026

We would like to thank Glaukos Charitable Foundation for being the After Party Band Sponsor of the 2026 Through the Looking Glass Gala presented by Eye Surgeons of Indiana!

[Photo Description: A red graphic features the text “Through the Looking Glass PRESENTED BY EYE SURGEONS OF INDIANA” below an illustrated eye in the upper left. In the graphic’s upper right, an illustrated pumpkin with green leaves is featured. In the center of the graphic, a white square features the text “AFTER PARTY BAND SPONSOR” above the Glaukos Charitable Foundation logo.]

10/01/2026

We’d like to thank Four Day Ray Brewing for having us be a part of their Tapped for a Cause initiative throughout September! Last month, just over $1,100 was raised to support our mission of empowering youth who are blind or have low vision.

Thank you, Four Day Ray, for all you do to give back to the community!

[Photo Description: The photo shows a large, busy restaurant interior. The restaurant is crowded, with many people seated at long wooden tables and a bar, eating, drinking, and talking.]

10/01/2026

We're excited to have Shake Up Cocktails as a supporting sponsor of our Through the Looking Glass Gala this year! Follow the instructions in this post for your chance to win a pair of tickets to the event on Oct. 24.

🚨 Giveaway 🚨 IN Blind Children's Foundation Gala Tix 🎟️

The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation Through the Looking Glass Gala will take place on Saturday, October 24th, at the state-of-the-art and stylish Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Conference Center.

To win two tix on Oct 24:

👋follow Shake Up Cocktails
👯‍♂️tag a friend in the comments that you would bring to the gala
🤠 BONUS — get double bonus votes by signing up for our Shake Up club email list (LINK IN BIO)

See you at Through the Looking Glass with a Lemon Shake Up! 🍋

Must be 21+ to enter. Winner will be selected on Friday October 9. GOOD LUCK!