Gene Veasey, the star of United Way's local campaign video, is honored at Disability Awareness Week Ceremony

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(Cleveland, Ohio) October 23, 2003
Eugene Veasey, blind manager of the food service operations at Cleveland Heights City Hall, received a Distinguished Service Award from United Way Board member and Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones. Commissioner Jones nominated "Gene" for the award after hearing about his story featured in this year's United Way local campaign video and presented the award on Friday, Oct. 10, at Cleveland's 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Week Awards and Awareness Luncheon.

Gene, a former general contractor and apartment manager, who is also showcased in one of United Way's workplace campaign posters, is now managing the business at Cleveland Heights City Hall, site of one of the Sight Center's Business Enterprise food service operations. He was blinded just three years ago during a brutal robbery at his home. Gene credits United Way's First Call For Help and the Cleveland Sight Center, a United Way partner agency, for learning new ways to regain his independence and thrive. Gene, joined by his guide dog Bedford, is a frequent speaker on behalf of United Way at workplace campaigns.

The East Cleveland resident also has begun working with new friends of the Sight Center as a teacher in its Business Enterprise program, giving help and hope to others. Commissioner Jones and Mayor Jane L. Campbell and Councilman Kevin Conwell co-chaired the event in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda. Congratulations, Gene, and all of the program's award winners!