Special Needs Companies founder Annette Hines is matching every donation (up to $5,000) to Perkins School for the Blind in honor of her daughter Elizabeth’s birthday.

Elizabeth was born on May 31, 1996, and was quickly diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease, a degenerative illness that caused her to be wheelchair-bound, intellectually disabled, blind, and more.

Throughout Elizabeth’s life, Annette relied on a multitude of incredible special needs organizations for resources, strength, and support. Perkins was one of those organizations, and one that Annette and her family hold most dearly because of the special bond both she and Elizabeth formed with the school and its staff. 

During her time at Perkins, Elizabeth received so much love and genuine care from their teachers and staff before she passed in November 2013. 

In the video below, you can see Elizabeth singing with her music teacher, John Buchanan. The way her smile lights up the room shows just a small glimpse of the joy this school provides to so many individuals and their families.

Video of Elizabeth Singing

As a thank you to this incredible school and a tribute to her beloved daughter, Annette has generously offered to match all donations up to $5,000 for the next two weeks to support their work.

Every dollar of this fundraiser will help the Perkins staff educate and empower children and young adults who are blind and continue to make remote learning possible during COVID-19.

With your help, they will be prepared for all of life’s opportunities in an accessible world.

 

To learn more and contribute to this fundraiser, click here.