For over 85 years, the Vision Resource Center has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults and children who are blind or visually impaired. The VRC's mission is to promote independence, socialization, mental health, and wellness through a variety of engaging programs.
Support is a key element of VRC's mission. They provide essential information and referrals to community resources, ensuring individuals can access the services they need. This support network helps individuals navigate the complexities of living with vision loss, making their journey towards independence a little easier.
Fundraising is an important activity for VRC to help support its important programs and services, and the VRC has a big one coming up, June 7.
The VRC proudly presents the 2025 Out Of Sight Wing Fling, taking place on Saturday, June 7 at Dirtbag Ales. From noon to 4 p.m., join the community for an afternoon filled with purpose and delicious food. This highly anticipated gathering promises to be more than just a typical social event—it's a meaningful opportunity to support those living with visual impairments while enjoying a festive atmosphere.
At this special celebration, attendees can connect with neighbors, savor mouthwatering wings, and contribute to a vital cause that makes a real difference in people's lives. The VRC has carefully planned this event to bring together food, friendship, and fundraising in perfect harmony. Whether a long-time supporter or new to the cause, the community presence will help create positive change for individuals with visual impairments.
The highlight of the event is the highly anticipated chicken wing cook-off competition, which brings together talented local home cooks and established restaurants in a flavorful showdown. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to sample an impressive variety of wings, each featuring distinctive seasonings, sauces, and cooking techniques that showcase the participants' culinary creativity. From classic buffalo-style to innovative fusion flavors, the competition promises a delectable journey through different wing preparations.
The event culminates in two prestigious awards: the Out of Sight Wings Judges' Choice, determined by a panel of culinary experts who evaluate each entry based on taste, presentation, and originality, and the coveted People's Choice award, where event attendees get to cast their votes for their favorite wings, making them an integral part of this exciting culinary celebration.
This event is great for wing connoisseurs or those who love good food. This friendly competition promises to be a delightful experience. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 day of. VIP tickets, which include unlimited wings, early entry, VIP tent seating, VIP servers, and a drink ticket for the Wing Fling Specialty Beer, are available for $75 in advance and $100 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at https://app.showslinger.com/e/out-of-sight-wing-fling-28121.
The Out of Sight Wing Fling is more than just a wing competition. It's a fun-filled day packed with activities and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy lawn games like corn hole and Connect Four, or participate in the wing-eating competition for a chance to show off your appetite. Families can spend quality time together playing outdoor games while watching brave contestants face off in an exciting wing-eating challenge that always draws enthusiastic crowds.
A talented DJ will be spinning an energetic mix of popular hits and dance favorites throughout the event, ensuring the crowd stays energized and entertained. For those who want to showcase their vocal talents, there will be exciting karaoke sessions where you can grab the mic and become the star of the show.
When hunger strikes, an impressive lineup of food trucks will be ready to satisfy your cravings. You can refresh yourself with T's Squeezed Lemonade's handcrafted beverages, indulge in authentic Southern comfort food from Gma's Fried Ribs & Southern Cooking, or savor the vibrant flavors of Latin Flavours Street Cuisine's diverse menu offerings.
The Out of Sight Wing Fling is all about supporting the Vision Resource Center and its invaluable work. The funds raised from this event will go towards the general operating costs of the VRC and the Wellness Worth Growing Project. This project empowers individuals with accessible gardening wellness practices and entrepreneurial training, helping them grow, market, and sell herbal products.
Fundraisers like Out of Sight Wing Fling contribute to critical support for programs that bring joy, independence, and opportunities to the visually impaired members of our community.
“Our programs range from bingo, plays, concerts, art classes, to surfing, rock climbing and karaoke. We do not limit what we do, we just get creative on how to provide a fun, safe, and adaptive environment for our consumers,” said Terri S. Thomas, executive director of Vision Resource Center.
Socialization and community engagement are vital to combating isolation that can often accompany vision impairment. The VRC offers numerous opportunities for social interaction and peer support through recreational activities, support groups, and social events. These activities not only provide a sense of community but also help individuals build meaningful relationships and support networks.
There are many ways to get involved with the Vision Resource Center and make a difference. Start by purchasing tickets for the Out of Sight Wing Fling and enjoy a day of fun and community spirit. By attending this event, we have the collective power to transform the 2025 Out Of Sight Wing Fling into an unforgettable occasion. The ambitious yet achievable goal is to raise $20,000, which will directly fuel the continuation of this indispensable work and enable the VRC to extend its reach and impact within the community.
For those seeking deeper involvement, consider the rewarding experience of volunteering at the Out of Sight Wing Fling, where time and energy can directly contribute to the event's success and the Center's mission. Alternatively, community members can make a direct financial donation to the Vision Resource Center, providing crucial resources that empower individuals with visual impairments. To discover more about the various ways to donate or to explore volunteer opportunities, please visit the official VRC website at https://visionresourcecentercc.org/
Generous contributions, no matter the size, play a vital role in furthering the mission of the VRC and providing crucial support to the individuals they serve. By actively representing this community, the VRC makes sure the visually impaired voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
Through continuous advocacy efforts, the VRC works to remove barriers and promote equal opportunities for those with vision impairments.