Gracie Jones, a student at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, is both low vision and in a wheelchair, but that certainly never stopped her from wanting to perform on stage with her friends.
Earlier this year she asked the people of Montana to support her and the school by donating to this year’s $83,175 project to replace the stage with one that is accessible to all. The old stage at the school served them well for more than 40 years but did not have an ADA-accessible ramp.
Donors from all corners of the state gave almost double that amount. Because of their generosity, the school was able to order light and sound equipment as well.
Top donors for the stage project included Ian & Nancy Davidson, Zeller Trust, Anonymous Foundation, Modern Machinery, Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, and Treacy Foundation.
The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Winter Concert was held on April 16th, and Gracie was able to be on stage with her friends for the first time. MSDB performances are extra special because students practice relentlessly to make each performance better than the last.
If you would like to support the performing arts programs at MSDB please mail or drop off a check to MSDB Foundation 3911 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59406-6576 or give online at https://www.justgiving.com/montanaschoolforthedeafandblindfoundation.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
