For 50 years, the East Texas Lighthouse has illuminated a path of hope, independence, and possibility for individuals who are blind or have low vision across our region. And now it’s time to celebrate in a big way! Our golden anniversary banquet is more than a reflection on our history, it’s a tribute to lives transformed, barriers shattered, and a future filled with promise. Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration as we honor five decades of impact and boldly look ahead to what’s next. Sponsorships and tickets are now available, inviting you to be part of this historic moment and help ensure the next 50 years shine brighter than ever!
Event Sponsorships
This event is a tribute to the people, partnerships, and purpose that have shaped our journey and will guide the next fifty years. Your sponsorship helps ensure that this milestone is not only a joyful celebration of impact past, but a bold investment in the future of empowerment, innovation, and possibility across East Texas.
Celebration – $5,000
- Exclusive verbal recognition during event
- 10 event tickets
- **Name listed on invitation
- Logo on all event signage, materials, and press release
- Featured recognition on social media & in post-event recap
Cheers – $2,500
- Shared event signage
- 5 event tickets
- **Name listed on invitation
- Logo on event signage, website and printed materials
- Shared social media spotlight
Candles – $1,000
- Shared event signage
- 2 event tickets
- **Name listed on invitation
- Shared social media recognition
- Logo on website and name listed in event program
Confetti – $500
- 2 event tickets
- **Name listed on invitation
- Shared social media recognition
- Name listed in event program
**If sponsorship commitment & logo received by March 5th
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!
Celebration
Cheers
Candles
Featured Speaker: Catherine Harrison
Catherine Harrison is a fearless advocate for perseverance who defies stereotypes about age and disability through grace, strength, and determination.
A former professional ballerina trained at Juilliard’s School of American Ballet, she later built a successful modeling career in national print and digital media while earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and working for years as an operating room nurse on the mission field.
After losing most of her eyesight to a progressive retinal disease, Catherine embraced independence, learning to read Braille, using a white cane for mobility, and reinvented her path once again.
Today, she is currently a professional model with the Grogan Management agency in Dallas, a certified fitness instructor and she serves her community on multiple non-profit boards. For more than 10 years, Catherine has been a sought-after public speaker and writer. Using humor and personal experiences she shares a powerful message of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of life’s challenges…“people will stare, make it worth their while.”
Celebration Event Committee
Jill Alexander
Carol Foley
LaVerne Gollob
Kimberly Gordon
Tisa Hibbs
Stacey Hiles
Cierra Kieliszewski
Alicia Lansford
Amy McCullough
Janel Merritt
Megan Riaz
Angie Tellman
Diane Thomason
Board of Directors
Cody Ables
Rea Boudreaux
Clay Dickeson
Kent Harris
Catherine Harrison
Leona Holloman
Heath Honzell
Tara Hays-Ellis
Michael Hubbard
Alicia Lansford
Brian McCabe
Rachel Means
Gavin Rasco
Hans Schuricht
Ron Shaffer
Joe Thigpen
Lee Tillson
Justin Ward