The Blind Center of Washington launched one of its primary annual fundraisers this week.

It’s not so much a fundraiser that sees an immediate influx of funds, but one that is geared more toward raising awareness and promoting involvement by recruiting volunteers to join the Friends of The Blind Center group, according to Chip Laughinghouse, executive director at the Center. In turn, money is raised through membership dues — a range of fees, depending on what level any person wishes to donate upon joining.

The Blind Center, which has only a staff of two, relies heavily on volunteers for its programs and fundraising efforts, Laughinghouse said. It also relies solely on its fundraising, as it gets no governmental funding.

“It’s a symbolic kickoff,” Laughinghouse said. “Financially, it’s very important. Volunteers are important in the day-to-day operations of the Center. We have to have money for operating expenses, but we also have to have people who believe in the Blind Center and come and volunteer.”

Laughinghouse said most of the programs at the Center are volunteer-led, including classes on how to cook healthy meals, arts and crafts, exercise, basket weaving and caning of chairs and others. There are also volunteers and volunteer organizations responsible for providing lunches to clients at the Center every day.

The Center has other funding streams: its “Dining in the Dark” event each fall at the Washington Yacht & Country Club; its Rockathon event, in which participants solicit donations and sponsorship to rock in rocking chairs; and sales from the Center’s gift shop, according to Laughinghouse.

The Rockathon includes a barbecue plate sale, live entertainment and vendors showcasing services and goods. Ninety-nine percent of all items available in the gift shop at the Center are handcrafted by clients at the Center, providing a means for clients to raise money themselves.

Laughinghouse said clients are provided with a safe haven of hope and encouragement, as well as a support system to strengthen and enhance independent living skills through programs at the Center. Through the support of the staff, volunteers and involved community leaders, the nonprofit is able to fully invest in the lives of its clients, providing resources necessary to enrich their lives and help them fulfill their personal goals.

“This is an opportunity to support a local charity that helps your friends and neighbors, and through your partnership, you will personally invest into the lives of the blind and visually impaired through a financial partnership as a Friend of The Blind Center,” Laughinghouse said.

All contributions are tax-deductible and will directly support the clients served at the Center each day, according to Laughinghouse.

Donations may be sent to: The Blind Center of North Carolina, P.O. Box 491, Washington, NC, 27889 or visit the Center’s website at theblindcenter.org for more information. To join the Friends of The Blind Center, call 252-946-6208.