Released on: August 27, 2008, 12:13 pm

Press Release Author: Maria Theresa Dulay

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: AUGUST 18, 2008 - PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA - Blind Babies
Foundation (BBF), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, home-based
services for children who are blind or visually impaired and their families living
in northern and central California, received $33,000 from proceeds earned at the
Second Annual Golf Invitational "Swing For Kids" on Monday, August 11, 2008 at Palo
Alto Hills Golf & Country Club in Palo Alto, California.

Press Release Body: "The Invitational Tournament introduces Blind Babies
Foundation's great work with families to a new community of supporters who can spend
the day in a beautiful setting while having fun and raising funds for this gem of an
agency", said Julie Bernas-Pierce, Executive Director of Blind Babies Foundation.

For the second year, BBF alum client Matt Cooper, 15, was the guest of honor. His
blindness has not stopped him from excelling as a golfer. Mike Shumann, the local
ABC7 Weekend Sports anchor, was on hand to interview Matt and play blindfolded golf
at hole 8. "Blindness is a difference and not a disability," said Matt during the
interview. To view the interview of Matt Cooper by Mike Shumann go to
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Sports/Blindness-is-a-difference-not-a-disability-/1218650982.html#.

Matt's coach, Frank Maynard, a PGA Professional, helps Matt line up the ball with
the club head prior to the stroke and describes the distance and characteristics of
the hole. From this point, Matt is on his own. He has a beautiful swing. Using
an audible cue from the tapping of the flagpole near the hole, Matt ably glides the
putt into the hole!

Under clear blue skies, the golfers enjoyed 18 holes of golf and competed in several
contests at the beautiful and challenging Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club. The
winning team at the tournament was none other than Matt Cooper's foursome, which
included his dad and his coach.

Mitch Juricich, creator and co-host of the nationally syndicated weekly TV show and
radio program on KNBR 680, "Hooked on Golf," was the emcee and auctioneer
extraordinaire for the event. Everyone was entertained with Juricich's humor as he
enticed golfers and dinner guests with the many auction and raffle items donated to
the event.

"This event brought together people committed to helping children who are visually
impaired. It is heartwarming to know that BBF's efforts to better the lives of
visually impaired children and their families have the support of the local
communities," said Dr. Tarak Mody, a BBF Board Member and Chair of the Golf
Committee.

BBF alum client, 4-year-old Adam Mody was also part of the evening's dinner and
auction. "Thank you, BBF, for helping me," said Adam.

The foundation is honored to have the support and endorsements of San Francisco
Mayor Gavin Newsom, Oakland Mayor Ronald V. Dellums, and Palo Alto Mayor Larry Klein
who welcomed the event to Palo Alto on behalf of the city's citizens.

About Blind Babies Foundation

Blind Babies Foundation (BBF) is a charitable organization founded in 1949 and
currently based in Oakland, California. Founded in response to an epidemic of
blindness among infants and young children, the Blind Babies Foundation provides
critical early intervention and education services free of charge to all families.
BBF's mission, once an infant or preschooler is identified as blind or visually
impaired, is to provide family-centered services to support the child's optimal
development and access to the world at a time when families are in crisis for every
child's development with careful attention to their individual abilities and needs.
Blind Babies Foundation Off to a Good Start Program has served families of infants
and young children with visual impairments in 14 counties throughout northern and
central California.




Web Site: http://www.blindbabies.org

Contact Details: MEDIA CONTACT:
Maria Theresa Dulay
408.605.6655
mdulay@stanford.edu
c/o Blind Babies Foundation
1814 Franklin St., 11th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612