Volunteer Spotlight: Through the Looking Glass with Lindsey Jordan

In the book, Through the Looking Glass, Alice interacts and is able to bring many characters and objects (like chess pieces) to life. How appropriate, then, that the IBCF hosts the annual Through the Looking Glass Gala, enabling the dreams of blind and visually impaired students to come to life! And the driving force behind this successful event is IBCF volunteer Lindsey Jordan.

As a senior sales executive with Allergan, Lindsey has many opportunities to interact with eye specialists, and previously had several opportunities to interact with the students at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. These interactions became the catalyst to inspire Lindsey to collaborate with IBCF to start the inaugural “Through the Looking Glass Gala” in 2012. Lindsey’s “vision” has inspired the support of outstanding Gala committee and generous sponsors, who have collectively raised over $262,000 to date to support assistive technology and education programming at ISBVI.

We asked Lindsey to share her thoughts on volunteering and the Gala:

What has been the best part of volunteering for IBCF and ISBVI?

For me, the best part of volunteering is the rewarding feeling knowing that the money we raise every year has helped the students in so many ways. Hearing the total amount raised at the Gala is so exciting for the entire team. When I attended the Holiday celebration after the first year to present the check in front of the students and parents, that was all I needed to know I would continue this for as long as possible. Also, through the event we have been able to fund two excursions for students to a water park, and the happiness they express is enough to keep going!

Is there anything that has surprised you that you didn’t expect or know before leading the Gala?

I’ve honestly never done this type of event to this caliber, so everything was a surprise! I learned a lot year after year about logistics and rules and regulations. Most importantly, I learned quickly that none of this would be possible without the amazing committee we have for the event.

So what else do you do in your spare time?

I am very active and love to work out just about every day. I love staying fit and having fun with friends, whether it be going to concerts or on road trips. I am pretty adventurous and aspire to even go sky diving in the near future.

What would you tell someone that is thinking about getting involved?

I would strongly recommend becoming a part of the Gala committee. We have such a fun time planning the evening and coming up with new ideas! No idea is too small or too large. It’s enjoyable yet also rewarding, especially to have the students we involve in the evening every year. They are so excited to be there.

Thank you, Lindsey, for ALL you to do help us invest in students who are visually impaired so that they can thrive in school and daily life. You truly do make a difference!