Friendsgiving is a large meal shared with friends, filled with games, food, and the celebration of giving thanks. But have you ever thought that such an event could make a difference? November 17th, at the Northampton Country Club from 7-9 PM, students from CR South present the ¨World's Biggest Friendsgiving”. For $15 a ticket, you could leave an impact by supporting Thriving Blind Academy, a program that provides the blind community with educational resources.

The Program

85% of blind college students drop out of school and 70% are unemployed. This is simply because of a lack of resources. Thriving Blind Academy (TBA) founder, Kristen Smedley, is the mom of Karissa Smedley (CRS Class of 2023) and blind sons Michael and Mitchell, graduates of CR South. Both Mitchell and Michael have attended college. Michael, a graduate of Penn State, and Mitchell a current student in the Honors program at Kutztown University. After raising two successful blind sons, Kristen wanted to share their resources with other blind students, helping them realize what they could create as well. Today, Thriving Blind is no longer a dream, but a global community that creates opportunities and success stories.

The Smedley's at Michael's Penn State graduation.

How You Can Help

On a night full of thanksgiving activities like an individual turkey gobbler, pies, pin the tail on the turkey, door prizes, and a live DJ, high school students would not just be making a difference but leaving a legacy for blind students. So buy your tickets, spread the word, and help the blind community thrive.

A former president of the national federation of the blind once said, ¨The future of sighted children depends on a proper education; the future of America's blind children is no different.¨

NOTE: Attendance is aimed solely at high school students. Any donations are greatly appreciated!