Mass. Commissioner of the Blind Janet LaBreck (L) with Steven Rothstein and Bill Rodgers.

Our 2008 Vision 5K is a success!

Even though temperatures topped out at our event last year, the coolest people braved the steamy heat and ran (or walked) the Vision 5K in support of Perkins School for the Blind and four other organizations that serve people who are blind or visually impaired.  Perkins students, staff, alumni and friends combined efforts to raise a total of more than $60,000.

Perkins President Steven Rothstein ran the race blindfolded with WBZ-TV’s Paul Burton serving as his sighted guide in the Vision 5K: CEO Blindfold Challenge division of the Vision 5K. Rothstein took top individual fundraising honors, bringing in more than $8,000 to support Perkins' work on campus, in the community, and around the world.

Among the dedicated runners supporting a great cause was Boston Marathon legend, Bill Rodgers. At the finish line, runners and walkers were greeted by Perkins alum and Mass. Commissioner of the Blind, Janet LaBreck. Last year, Jacob Lehrhoff won Vision 5K. Jacob works with the mother of a Perkins student at the Gifford School in Weston and he ran the race on behalf of her son,Cory.

This year, funds raised during the 2009 Vision 5K will benefit Perkins School for the Blind, The Carroll Center for the Blind, MAB Community Services, and National Braille Press.