“True vision does not require eyes. The chief handicap of the blind is not blindness, but the attitude of seeing people toward them. Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.” Helen Keller
The Out of Sight Wing Fling Cook-Off will take place on Aug. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Tap Room. The event features food trucks, lawn games, and a wing cookout competition. General Admission is $20. The proceeds for this fundraiser will go to the Vision Resource Center.
Terri Thomas, Executive Director, Vision Resource Center, shares this perspective about the mission statement.
“The VRC mission is not just a statement, but a powerful force that enhances the lives of adults and children who are visually impaired. Visually impaired means you may be blind or have low vision (not completely blind). The VRC’s work with consumers consists of hosting summer camps for kids with additional programming throughout the year,” Thomas said. “People may be undergoing a rough time, [VRC] helps children and parents with food shortages. This is a testament to the impact of the mission.
"We also help our adults with services such as phones, finding housing options, and assisting with paperwork. Our services include medical assistance and transportation. VRCVLY is a reading service for persons with visual impairment. Volunteers read media publications and news from various counties such as Cumberland, Lee, and Robeson.
"The Walking Group enjoys the experience of the only Braille walking trail in North Carolina. This is a safe environment for enabling individuals to walk in nature without assistance. The monthly VRC Power Lunch is an educational workshop concerning consumer issues such as insurance and housing safety.”
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you,” states Oprah Winfrey.
Thomas’ passion is advocacy and empowerment of persons experiencing visual impairment. “I am passionate because the blind in our community are a very underserved population. The VRC is their voice at the table within the community. The VRC is the 'persons experiencing visual impairment' advocacy voice.
"The majority of blind people in our community are not cognitively delayed or hearing impaired. These persons are members of our community who like to do the same things as sighted persons. They need to do it differently. VRC is here to show what blindness is not.”
Sponsors for the Out of Sight Wing Fling include Systel, City of Fayetteville Community Foundation, Sam’s Party Tents, and Favored Conferences and Events.
Celebrate with the community. Dance to the music of Perfect Storm Band, and party with host Goldy and DJ Q. Join in the wing-eating contest with cash prizes. The VIP tent is an option for unlimited wings with a designated server. Ticket prices for the VIP experience are $75, general admission is $25. The 2-minute wing showdown entry fee is $10.
See you at the Out of Sight Wing Fling Cook-Off on Aug. 24, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Tap Room. Please purchase tickets in advance of the event. For general and ticket information, contact visionresourcecentercc.org or visionresourcecenter.regfox.com.

(Photo: An attendee at the Out of Sight Wing Fling Cook Off enjoys a wing blindfolded in 2023. Photo courtesy of VRC)