Retailer-owned grocery co-op Allegiance Retail Services (ARS) is holding Night for Sight, a gala fundraiser benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness, on May 9. The foundation is a driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases.
ARS has supported the foundation since 2011, after it was brought to the company’s attention by co-op member Jason Ferreira, CEO of Ferreira Foodtown, whose son was diagnosed with leber congenital amaurosis at birth. Ferrerira, a foundation board member, co-chairs the event.
“It is an honor for our corporate team to be able to participate in the goodwill efforts of our members. Night for Sight is a particularly impactful initiative that resonates with the associates,” said Joseph Fantozzi, COO and president of ARS/Foodtown.
“Our members’ supermarkets are locally-owned and family-operated, and the store owners take great pride in giving back, especially in the communities they serve. We are happy to join them in charitable causes whenever possible.”
For their commitment to the cause, the foundation will honor ARS co-op member Noah Katz, president of PSK Supermarkets, and L’Amy America CEO Stephen Rappoport with the Visionary Award.
Operating 13 grocery stores under the banners of Foodtown, Freshtown and Pathmark, PSK Supermarkets is the only employee-owned grocery company in the downstate region of New York (employee ownership began in 2021). Since its founding in 1956, PSK has grown to more than 1,000 employees.
“The Foundation Fighting Blindness is excited to honor Noah Katz and Stephen Rappoport through Night for Sight,” said Jeff Klaas, the foundation’s chief strategy and innovation officer.
“Their visionary leadership in their industries and support of the foundation’s mission to drive treatments and cures for blinding diseases makes them well-deserving Visionary Award recipients.”
Night for Sight will be hosted by Adam Chodak, News 8 evening anchor and managing editor in Rochester, New York, who is personally affected by Stargardt disease and an advocate for others with blinding diseases.
The event will feature music by Danny Kean, a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and actor who has been blind since birth. Kean started playing piano at age 2, and by 15 was performing solo at New York City bars.
Tickets to the event are $1,000, with Next Generation (age 35 and younger) at $750. Sponsorship opportunities range from $2,500 to $100,000.
For ticket and sponsorship information, visit give.fightingblindness.org/event/new-york-night-for-sight-2024.
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