NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 20, 2004) — Bridgestone/Firestone's trust fund will sponsor the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology's (DIO) Eyes on Design, an annual fundraising event to assist and educate the blind and visually impaired.
The 17th annual Eyes on Design, an international celebration of automotive design and art, will be June 25-27 on the grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. The event celebrates race car design, showcasing more than 200 vehicles.
As part of the festivities, Bridgestone/Firestone will be hosting the VIP hospitality area, featuring a display of concept tires as well as performance passenger and light truck tires that are already in the market. The tire maker also will be showcasing Bridgestone tires on a Formula One Ferrari and Champ car and Firestone Firehawk tires on an IRL car. The vehicles will be available for viewing throughout the three-day event.
“We're entering our third year as a platinum-plus sponsor for Eyes on Design, and we couldn't be prouder of our association with this wonderful organization,” said Christine Karbowiak, chair of the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund. “That we can assist the DIO in its important work is both gratifying and important to advancing the technology used to enhance independence for the blind and visually impaired.”
The weekend event kicks off on June 25 with “Eve of the Eyes,” an informal social event honoring the design profession that is open to the general public. The event will feature the presentation of the Honored Design Educator Award. It continues on June 26 with “Vision Honored,” a formal Automotive Design Banquet, which includes the presentation of the Eyes on Design Lifetime Achievement Award, immediately followed by “Night Vision,” an after-dinner entertainment gala for attendees of “Vision Honored“ and the general public.
On June 27, the “Private Eyes Brunch” will take place, followed by the “Eyes on Design Automotive Design Exhibition” celebrating race car design.
Founded in 1972, the Michigan-based, non-profit DIO lends the support and tools necessary to enhance independence for the blind and visually impaired. For more information, call the DIO at (313) 824-EYES (3937) or visit www.eyeson.org.