Salus University’s 14th annual “Looking Out for Kids” fundraiser will be held 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. This year’s event is virtual and will honor TD Bank as the “Lighthouse Award” winner.
Once again, NBC10 News co-anchor, Rosemary Connors, will be the host of the event, some of which will be prerecorded. The event helps fund the University’s vision and hearing programs and supports additional healthcare for children in need.
“The financial success of this annual event, especially in these unprecedented times, means that Salus can continue providing vision and hearing care to children in need in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties,” said Jacqueline Patterson, MPA, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations at Salus.
Prior to the pandemic, Salus had been able to offer vision screenings to more than 4,300 school-aged children; hearing screenings to more than 3,000 children; distribute more than 920 pairs of eyeglasses to children; and provide hearing technology to three children.
Most early learning occurs through the visual and hearing system and this academic year, has been happening in a virtual classroom setting. By providing complimentary vision and hearing services, Salus is making a difference in the lives of those children it serves.
As this year’s “Lighthouse Award” winner, TD Bank's philanthropy is centered around its corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, which actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental wellbeing and health and enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
As part of the TD Ready Commitment, TD targets community giving in four critical areas: financial security, a more vibrant planet, connected communities, and better health.
Since 2014, the TD Charitable Foundation has contributed $74,000 to Salus University’s “Looking Out for Kids” Norristown, Pennsylvania, initiative.
Connors, who will be hosting the event for the sixth time, is an Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter and is the third generation of women in her family to report the news in Philadelphia. A native of Wynnewood in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.
To make the virtual event more interactive, Salus has partnered with a local caterer to deliver VIP reception boxes containing gourmet hors d’oeuvres, which includes a cheese selection with assorted crackers, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more. Substitutions for dietary restrictions are available upon request. Virtual tickets are $50 each and the VIP reception box is $150. Those who are unable to attend virtually are also being encouraged to donate to the “Looking Out for Kids” charity and participate in the online auction. To purchase virtual tickets or VIP reception boxes online, click here. Please RSVP by April 9, 2021.
“While it is difficult to know exactly how things are going to evolve, one thing is still true — the work we do is essential, perhaps now more than ever,” said Patterson. “However, we can’t do it alone. We are grateful for your past support and ask that you continue your generosity.”