Building Community one event at a time.
October 24, 2025
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
6pm
Celebrating our inaugural Partner of the Year: Lions Club International. Celebrating a partnership that has transcended decades, we’re excited to celebrate our Lion partners!
We can’t thank Lions Club International for their support and dedication to our mission!
Tickets are on sale now!
Past Events
2nd Annual Blind Immersion Experience
In partnership with the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, the United Way, and the Transportation Security Administration, AURORA hosted its 2nd Annual Blind Immersion Experience to kick off Blindness Awareness Month!
TSA representatives along with Amy Robbins, from the Ted and Amy Show on 93Q, Ray Manassa from the United Way, and Board Member, Elisabeth Panighetti from MVP Healthcare all participated in this interactive activity.
Participants navigated the Syracuse Airport with blindfolds- experiencing what it is like to be blind and navigate the airport. AURORA is proud to bring this experience to bring awareness and advocacy for those with vision loss.
We Care Wednesday
AURORA was been selected to participate in We Care Wednesdays at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, the home of the Syracuse Mets! The game took place on Wednesday, August 20th, with the first pitch happening at 6:35 p.m.
On the concourse, participants learned about AURORA’s services and even played blind cornhole!
Thank you to the Syracuse Mets for this opportunity!
June 1, 2025
Lion’s Community Park
Lion’s Parkway
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Join us for our first ever 5k Fun Walk!
Held in partnership with the Baldwinsville Lion’s Club, Strides for Sight 5k brings participants to the beautiful suburban park on the Seneca River in Baldwinsville. Our goal is to put on a family friendly event while raising funds for those who are blind and visually impaired in the Central New York Community.
Back row from left to right: Michael O’Connor, John Scala, Jeanne Mathews-Fox, Jim Granito, Dr. Lawrence Stewart, John McCormick.
Front row left to right: Earleen Foulk, Anne Costa, Debra Chaiken, Susan Gray and Steve Koldin.
October 24, 2024
Traditions at the Links
5900 N. Burdick Street
E. Syracuse, NY 13057
This year is extra special as we honor Debra Chaiken, Anne Costa and celebrate our past Board Chairs. Debra and Anne have dedicated over 25 years of service to our organization. This will be Debra’s last Musical Feast event as she plans for retirement in January 2025 and Anne Costa retired on May 31, 2024.
We are grateful to the past board chairs for their leadership, vision and dedication to our mission! Thank you!
October 15 is White Cane Awareness Day.
Join us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary at the New York State Equal Right Heritage Center in Auburn.
This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!