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Welcome To National BVI Chamber of Commerce
Our Mission
Mission: To promote and grow businesses that are owned or employ people that are blind/visually impaired.
Who We Are
The national BVI Chamber of Commerce is a nationwide network united for the purpose of advocating and growing the BVI business community. From new start-ups to well-established companies, our aim is to expand opportunities in business for people that are blind or visually impaired. Learn More.
the Catherine Skivers memorial Show
On Saturday September 27, supporters of the BVI community gathered at Black bear Diner in Hayward, CA for the Catherine Skivers memorial Show. This fundraiser was held to benefit the East Bay Center for the blind in Berkley, CA. Guests enjoyed great food and fellowship while listening to exciting music.
Speakers included Mike Cole, the president of the board of directors for the Center who gave an overview of the great legacy of the agency. He also spoke of the great work that Catherine Skivers did in the Bay area for the blind community as well as the Center. Next, a letter of tribute was read written by Patricia Nash, a long -time friend of Catherine skivers. In her tribute, she recounted the great advocacy work of catherine on local, state, and national levels. She mentioned several personal memories which gave a personal touch to the event. Next, her oldest son Eric skivers gave a resounding memorial to his mother. He pointed out her relentless efforts fighting for the blind community and her dedication to her family despite her blindness. He helped the entire audience to understand how remarkable a woman and advocate she was. With much passion, humor, and some emotion he delivered an outstanding and unforgettable speech. Bringing hearers into her personal and home life as well as her public side. Then, several members of the audience came up to the microphone to eulogize Catherine, including many close friends and co-laborers in the advocacy world.
As a finale, we were treated to music by Sheila gunn. Sheila wowed the house with her remarkable voice and musical skills. Singing a variety from show tunes to jazz/blues, she definitely made it an unforgettable evening! To top things off, it was announced that over $1300 was raised to support the awesome work of the East Bay Center for the blind! Great energy, great fun, and great cause!