First ever I-Walk raises more than $16,600

National volunteer week ended with a bang as Hope for Vision, a registered student organization, hosted its first ever I-Walk and 5k run.

About 175 people helped Hope for Vision raise awareness and money to lend a hand to people all over the nation with numerous eye diseases.

Ashley Soriano, junior in LAS and president of the campus chapter of Hope for Vision, planned the event with her mother and two brothers. Soriano’s mother, Nancy, said this is the first time the national organization has done an event like this.

“We got donations from all over the nation,” Mrs. Soriano said. “We have risen over $16,600 just from this event.”

Betti Lidsky, the national founder of Hope for Vision, said she hopes the organization will have at least one hundred iWalks by next year.

“Ashley’s group has reminded all of us, in spite of challenges, life is really meaningful and beautiful,” Lidsky said. “Ashley decided to be proactive and part of the solution as opposed to being a victim.”

Tom Giza, sophomore in AHS, is part of Unite for Sight; another registered student organization dedicated to helping people with eyes diseases. He ran the 5k on Saturday.

“We help raise money for free cataract surgery in third world countries,” Giza said. “I hope they do this every year. This is a really good cause.”

Hope for Vision also sponsored a raffle, giving away prizes, including a DVD player, electronic drums, a bomb box and a razor electronic scooter.

P.J. Combs, president of the Chicago chapter of Hope for Vision, has Usher’s Syndrome, which causes Retinitis Pigmentosa with deafness, and said he was very impressed with Soriano’s planning of the event.

“It is important to raise funds to find a cure for blindness,” Combs said. “One day there will be a cure and Hope for Vision will help get us there.”