Raising awareness and funding in support of AVRE's services and mission.

I grew up in Binghamton and have been thrilled to watch this city grow and flourish over the last decade. This community is strong and tight knit. We stand up for one-another.

AVRE is a long standing charitable organization that provides vision rehabilitation services across nine New York counties to people confronted with vision loss. AVRE also employs over 50 people who are blind or visually impaired.

As a community-based, nonprofit organization receiving only 40% reimbursement for the delivery of programs and services from New York State, AVRE relies on the philanthropy of donors to help bridge that gap and ensure consumers receive all of the services they need. Support from our community helps ensure continued success and growth of our programs and services.

Our 150+ mile walk to the NY Giants stadium is just that. It's a highly visible, public walk to garner support for AVRE. All of the money raised will help AVRE provide more services to more people who are blind or visually impaired in our community. Those of us who are walking recognize the enormous good this organization has done in our community for over 90 years and we want them to know their community stands behind them.

We will start the 154 mile trek the Monday before the home opener between the Giants and the Lions on Monday, September 18th. My friends and I will walk approximately 20 miles each day, breaking the march into two, 3 hour periods - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. At that pace, we should arrive at MetLife Stadium 3-4 hours prior to the game. We started training with hikes back in April and have taken opportunities on weekends to get out and walk. We know this won't be easy, but it will be well worth it! We are happy to have the New York Giants' support and hope to gain the support of local/national organizations to help us along the way as we raise awareness – and funds - for AVRE.

Bill Emmons,
AVRE Board Member &
AVREs Giant Walk Coordinator/Walker

To listen to the AVRE Giant Walk radio spot, click HERE.