125 years of vision.

The 125th Anniversary Celebration is an intimate gathering honoring Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind’s 125 years of service to the blind and visually impaired community across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Founded in 1900 with a $5,000 Congressional appropriation and an ambition far larger than the budget, CLB has served the region through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the technological revolutions of the late twentieth century.

The evening is both a tribute to that legacy and a rededication to the next 125 years of mission.

Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Venue: National Industries for the Blind, 2nd Floor, 3000 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305.

The evening includes a cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvres, keynote remarks from leadership, a silent auction, recognition of CLB honorees and community partners, a first look at the next chapter of CLB’s mission, and live music from local musicians.

The Potomac Yard Metro station is directly across the street from the venue (South Pavilion entrance). Reagan National Airport (DCA) is one Metro stop away, making the venue easy to reach for out-of-town guests as well.

Underground parking is available via Dogue Street (behind the building, off East Glebe Road) with approximately 35 spaces on the P3 level. Parking is limited and fills quickly, so Metro or rideshare is strongly recommended. Uber and Lyft recognize the address directly.

The celebration is an intimate, invitation-only gathering bringing together CLB supporters, partners, and community leaders. It is not a general public event.

If you are interested in attending, contact our Event Director, Nina Ancharski, our event team. Complimentary tickets are included with every sponsorship tier, from two tickets at the Lantern level to eight at the Luminary level.

The dress code is business cocktail. Think polished and professional, appropriate for an evening celebration with community leaders and partners.

Your ticket allocation depends on your sponsorship tier or invitation. Sponsorships include between two tickets (Lantern) and eight tickets (Luminary), giving you the flexibility to bring colleagues or guests who share your commitment to this mission.

To discuss your specific situation, contact our Event Director, Nina Ancharski, our event team.

There are four named tiers, each including complimentary event tickets and recognition benefits:

• Luminary $25,000+ 8 tickets, speaking opportunity, premier logo on all materials, CEO personal mention, press release, exclusive Behind-the-Mission experience, commemorative keepsake
• Illumination $10,000 6 tickets, premier logo on all materials, CEO personal mention, press release, Mission in Action technology training observation, commemorative keepsake
• Beacon $5,000 4 tickets, logo on event materials, stage recognition, social media mention, logo on CLB website for one year, commemorative keepsake
• Lantern $2,500 2 tickets, name on event materials, stage recognition, social media mention, name on CLB website for one year, commemorative keepsake

All sponsorship gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Download the prospectus above for the full benefit breakdown at each level.

Element sponsorships let you put your name on a specific part of the evening experience. Eight elements are available on a first-come, first-served basis, ranging from the Coat Check ($1,500) to Dining and Dessert ($25,000). Elements include the Bar and Beverage, Silent Auction, Anniversary Booklet, Photography and Videography, Entertainment, Valet Parking, and more.

Element sponsorships can be combined with any tier sponsorship for enhanced recognition, and all are tax-deductible. Contact our event team to confirm availability.

Yes. Custom sponsorship packages are available for investments above the listed tiers. If you have a bigger vision for your partnership with CLB, our team wants to hear it.

Reach out directly to Rebecca Liko, President and CEO, our CEO, or Nina Ancharski, Event Director, our event team, and we will build something together.

In honor of 125 years of service, CLB has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $125,000, representing $1,000 for every year CLB has served the community. Every dollar raised funds the programs, the technology, the training, and the people that will carry this mission into its next chapter.

Every gift, at every level, moves our mission forward. Donate online at CLB.org/125years or by mail right now.

Yes. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts, donations, and sponsorships are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. EIN: 530196609.

Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductible portion of any sponsorship that includes goods or services, such as event tickets. CLB can provide documentation upon request.

Make checks payable to Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and mail to:

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 805
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Include a note that says “125th” so we can attribute your gift to the campaign. Online giving is also available at CLB.org/125years.

Yes. Auction donations of any kind are welcome, including experiences, services, artwork, dining, and travel opportunities. All donated items are tax-deductible, and your item or brand will be seen by an exclusive room of community leaders, corporate partners, and philanthropists already invested in making a difference.

Early submissions receive premier placement in the auction. To donate an item, contact our event team our event team.

There are several ways to make an impact without attending. You can donate to the 125 for 125 campaign at CLB.org/125years or by mail, sponsor a tier or event element (all include recognition benefits regardless of your attendance), or donate an item to the silent auction.

You can also help by spreading the word to colleagues, board members, or community partners who share CLB’s commitment to independence and access. Every gift, at every level, moves our mission forward.