Guests Revel in a Shared Mission at 2011 Perkins Possibilities Gala

Former lead vocalist for the J. Geils Band Peter Wolf sings with Perkins students at the 2011 Possibilities Gala

On Thursday, May 5, hundreds gathered at Perkins School for the Blind, to support the organization’s global efforts to expand education and opportunity for children who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired, with or without additional disabilities. The 2011 Perkins Possibilities Gala raised more than $1.5 million for Perkins.

Class of 2010 alumnus Tyler Terrasi, 21, stood as an example of what Perkins students can strive for. The straight-A college student thanked the crowd for their generosity not only for himself, but “so that other students like me can have the same kinds of success that I have,” as a result of the unique education he had at Perkins.

Perkins’ work extends far beyond its Watertown campus. Perkins partner schools and centers in 65 countries make a positive impact on the lives of more than 145,000 children and their families worldwide. For 182 years, Perkins has been a national and global thought leader in educating students with visual impairments, especially those who have multiple disabilities.

“As a teacher of teachers,” said Perkins President Steven Rothstein, “we are working to change the reality that 4.5 million children around the world today have no access to education because they are blind. Sharing expertise online, on campus and by visiting partners in other countries takes tremendous resources. Each and every donor – especially the generous individuals who attend our annual Gala – helps to give children who are blind the chance to learn to live as independently as they can.”

The Perkins Possibilities Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for Perkins. For Corinne Grousbeck, Perkins Trust Board chair, Gala co-chair and parent of a Perkins student, it was an exciting evening. “This Gala topped all previous years,” she said. “We’re thrilled to witness the accomplishments of our talented students with the likes of Peter Wolf in such a special and moving evening.”

Co-chairs speak at the 2011 Possibilities Gala

Perkins Trustee Board member Katherine Chapman, of Olly Shoes, co-chaired along with TV producer (Friends, Dream On, etc.) and Emerson College professor Kevin Bright. Over the past two school years, Bright has led a customized film production workshop at Perkins. For many at the Gala, the high point was a video produced by a student in the workshop, remembering Jesse Isabelle, a Perkins student who passed away in 2006.

The live auction is always a huge boost for Perkins’ mission. Comedian Lenny Clarke stepped up as auctioneer. Host of A&E’s Private Sessions, Lynn Hoffman, emceed.

Supporters of this year’s event covered a wide spectrum, from sports figures to political leaders. Celtics co-owners Wyc Grousbeck and Stephen Pagliuca, Boston Celtics star Ray Allen, Red Sox co-owner John Henry, Dunkin’ Brands CEO Nigel Travis, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, Museum of Fine Arts/Boston Director Malcolm Rogers, Steve & Jill Karp, and Joe & Kathy O’Donnell all joined in celebrating the achievements of Perkins students. Each of the 600 guests saw firsthand the powerful difference quality education makes in the lives of children with visual impairments.

“This event always fills the campus with wonder,” says Perkins Trust Executive Director Kathy Sheehan, “When we say ‘All we see is Possibility,’ it reflects the motivation of every student, every teacher, and every supporter who believes, as we do at Perkins, that every child deserves to be educated and to get the chance to live as independent and productive a life as possible. The Possibilities Gala expresses that belief.”