Robert Nash
ATOU BOD & RV Rotary
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2024 –
“I have been volunteering at the A Touch of Understanding (ATOU) Workshops for almost two years now, and recently joined the Board of Governors, but this is the first time I was able to attend the Evening of Insight. What a great event! I invited several guests to attend, and they not only had a good time, but they were moved by the evening’s message. The Emcee did a great job engaging the attendees and building the momentum throughout the evening. Finally, Mia and her mom were amazing: they showed that hard work and dedication can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. And, they brought home the central message: small accomplishments and understanding lead to large successes and tolerance. To me, that is what ATOU is all about. Thank you for the contribution that ATOU makes to the community, and for allowing me to be a part of it.”
Gopal and Darlene Kapur
Family Green Survival
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2022 –
“On March 31 of 2022, we were introduced to the fabulous team of devoted supporters at the A Touch of Understanding fundraising dinner and auction in Roseville.
It was a super WOW event!
The 200 dinner guests wore blindfolds while a sight-challenged speaker, Darlene, led us through our dinner. This unique experience gave the audience a touch of understanding into her world and that of over ten million blind and vision impaired Americans.
The auction that followed was expertly led by a dynamo auctioneer who had the eager audience laughing and bidding in his capable hands. Every aspect of the evening, from the efficient sign-in, to the placement of auction items, to the ATOU person at each table, was executed with grace, a sense of fun, and beautiful camaraderie.
We’ve made our reservation for next year’s event and plan on bringing friends and family to fill a table! We urge everyone to attend this special and worthy evening.”
Sonya Bingaman
State Council of Developmental Disabilities
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2022 –
“The work you do is amazing and is at the heart of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities’ mission: To promote inclusion through understanding (and to back that up with laws and regulations) so ALL people can be a part of the community and lead their best life. I’ve had the privilege to see your staff and volunteers in action, in the schools, and the work you do is life-changing for those students, staff, and the community.
Your mission is also what I have worked my whole career (32 years) to promote, so I was honored to be asked to be involved in the Evening of Insight where community members experienced eating a meal while blindfolded and learn what it is like to be blind, even just for an hour. This is such a great event to teach empathy and acceptance of all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.”
Jerry & Gail Mohlenbrok
ATOU Volunteers
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2022 –
“Gail and I have had the opportunity to assist in putting on workshops at elementary schools in our area. We always come away from these sessions with a sense of appreciation for the impact the program makes on impressionable young minds. These students are most receptive to the goals of the program, and one can see that they will take the lessons to heart. In a similar way, an adult version of the program provided at the Evening of Insight gave participants an opportunity to live, if only for a blindfolded meal, in the shoes of someone with different abilities. The large amount of money raised to support ATOU was very impressive and I believe it reflects the enthusiastic desire of the participants to support and expand the outreach efforts of ATOU.”
Rachel Morrison
Measured Financial
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2022 –
“The ATOU Evening of Insight 2022 Fundraiser was just that, an evening of insight, and was like nothing I have ever participated in before. I really had no idea what to expect. I was fortunate enough to attend the event with individuals that had previously attended (back in 2019). They were eager to return and spoke so highly of the event. I was intrigued.
The dining experience was more challenging than I had anticipated. I have a new appreciation for the simple things in life that I take for granted, like the amount of food that is on my fork, (is the bite too big? Is it an empty bite?). Being guided through the meal experience was incredibly helpful, and a welcomed bonus. On a side note, I found it comical that when the blindfolds went on, the noise level in the room went up. I guess it is true, when one of our senses is taken away, we have to compensate somehow.
The energy in the room was great, and lasted throughout the entire evening. The silent auction and live auction were so much fun. There were too many wonderful items to choose from, which made it hard to narrow down.
I have great admiration for what ATOU is doing in our schools and throughout our communities. I will gladly support a program that is making a difference in the lives of many. I look forward to participating in future events. Thank you ATOU!“
Linda Bigler
TheCOACH
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2019 –
“To the team at A Touch of Understanding. You did a phenomenal job at your Evening of Insight event/Fundraiser. It was so fun to be a host at this event as I had already been a participant at the dark lunch. Very fun to watch everyone navigate the table, their plates silverware, and glasses. The couple next to me made the effort and found a way to cling their glasses and cheer each other as well as feed each other while blindfolded. Very heartwarming! The learnings were huge over such a short time of dealing with a new familiar situation. I hope I’m asked to help again as I am such a fan of your program and your team.”
Sonya Bingaman
State Council of Developmental Disabilities
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2019 –
“Just wanted to tell you what a wonderful experience the Evening of Insight was. My friend, who I brought along, really enjoyed it too, and promptly went home and told her children all about it. That’s what it is all about – spreading the word. So cool. Love what you do!”
Nalesh Chandra and Wife
Tabu Ohana
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2019 –
“Understanding and insight. Those two words perfectly sum up for me what ATOU does in our local community and across the globe. Sometimes all we need, in particular our children, is just a “touch,” an introduction, to the challenges people with disabilities face. That introduction kicks off a lifelong understanding and support grounded in acceptance and respect for all individuals. That is why I enthusiastically support ATOU.”
Cathy Lacy
Aborn Powers
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2019 –
“I can honestly say it was a night that will not escape my memory for years to come. First of all, I attended the event with the hopes to learn more about ATOU. By the end of the evening I clearly gained a greater understanding of ATOU’s mission. This experience left a great impact on me.”
Kevin Mehta
RE/MAX
A Touch of UnderstandingEOI 2019 –
“Remarkable barely does justice in describing an Evening of Insight. It was truly an eye-opening experience to eat a meal in the dark and to experience what many other people go through. I was impressed with how well organized the room was set-up and the incredible fundraising efforts that included many different ways for people to donate without feeling pressured to do so. Always enjoy learning more about A Touch of Understanding (ATOU) that provides disability awareness programs to educate the challenges associated with disabilities and to accept and respect all individuals. I look forward to attending again next year!”
Marlena Sprague
ATOU Board Member
A Touch of Understanding
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