04 Sep Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) Receives a $3,800 Grant from the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund

Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) was recently awarded a $3,800 grant from the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund to help sponsor their CCVI Trolley Run.

The CCVI Trolley Run will take place April 26, 2020, rain or shine, and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide services critical for children who are blind or visually impaired. The USATF certified, fast and flat to downhill short-distance race winds through iconic Kanas City neighborhoods, draws approximately 7,500 local, regional, and national participants and attracts thousands of spectators and volunteers that line the course to cheer them on.

With its rich history and commitment to supporting all things local, CCVI Trolley Run is beloved by thousands of Kansas City residents. The event is held early in the road race season each year and provides the most scenic course and the best After-Bash of any Kansas City race with fabulous food and musical entertainment on the Country Club Plaza. The race encourages participation from CCVI students of all abilities and their families, and people of all ages. Trolley Run is a very accessible and affordable race for anyone interested in participating.  The four-mile course follows the old streetcar/trolley tracks and hence, the name, Trolley Run. A team of dedicated staff and Board volunteers work year-round to raise money and plan the race. All proceeds from the race go to fund the critical programming at CCVI. Over $350,000 was netted in 2018 to support CCVIs operating expenses and ensure access to our services for children who are blind and visually impaired regardless of their family’s ability to pay. CCVI is the only agency in the Kansas City area providing specialized instruction, therapies, and family counseling and support for children birth to six.

CCVI’s mission is to prepare children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities, to reach their highest potential in the sighted world.