INITIATIVES
The Freeman Foundation exists to raise awareness of the needs and potential of people with disabilities by promoting the truth that disability does not equal inability. We advance this vision and mission through two primary initiatives, (1) blindfolded events, and (2) partnership with a Haitian orphanage for children with disabilities.
Blindfolded Events
During our events, participants perform everyday tasks blindfolded. Removing the ability to see helps a sighted individual better understand how a visually impaired individual navigates and functions in a sighted world. We hope participants obtain greater awareness of the challenges and abilities of people who have a disability. The foundation currently hosts two blindfolded events: Lights Out Blindfolded 5K and Lights Out Dinner in the Dark.
Lights Out Blindfolded 5K
Participants in the Lights Out Blindfolded 5K complete the course with a partner. The blindfolded partner is guided by the sighted partner to the 1.5 mile marker, where roles switch.
Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a blindfolded 5K. Hosting a 5K requires raising funds to cover the following expenses:
- T-shirts
- Event Insurance
- Blindfolds
- Time Clock
- Finishing Medals
- Advertising and promotion
The funds come from small business sponsorships and private donations. Sponsors who contribute $100 or more are listed on the back of the t-shirts.
You can view photos from the event here.
Lights Out Dinner in the Dark
Dinner in the Dark attendees are challenged to eat a meal blindfolded. They gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing people with a visual impairment, and how those people overcome them.
Hosting this event requires raising funds to cover the following expenses:
- Venue
- Catered Meal
- Decorations
- Blindfolds
- Advertising and promotion
- Keynote Speaker Fee
The Freeman Foundation is currently looking to host more Lights Out Blindfolded 5K’s and Lights Out Dinners in the Dark in communities across the state and region. If you are interested in helping us advance our mission in this way, please email us at info@travisfreeman.org.
Haiti
In 2015, The Freeman Foundation began a partnership with ASHCA, an orphanage that houses disabled children from the poorest communities of Haiti. These children receive one meal a day, and live in horrible conditions. A portion of the money raised by the foundation goes to raise the necessary funds for a second meal per day. If you are interested in donating to our cause, click here. For more information, email info@travisfreeman.org.