by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

Sue Griffin, a retired teacher saw a need in her local community and set out to create the Rocky Mountain Invitational for the Blind in 2023. The purpose of the Invitational is to give visually impaired and blind students (VI&B) an opportunity to compete against other visually impaired and blind athletes.

“There is a real need for children who are visually impaired to have the opportunity to play sports with peers, instead of always competing against sighted athletes,”<n> said Griffin.

When preparing for this years Rocky Mountain Invitation for the Blind, Griffin and the committee wanted to increase the events and activities offered to those who planned to participate this year. To do so, they host a “Yard & Garden Show” where individuals in the community could proudly display their yard and gardens while fundraising to support a good cause.

“It was a wonderful experience having our yard and garden in the show,” said Candace Jensen, a participant. “We had a lot of very nice people walk through and visit our yard.”

Candace and her husband, County Commissioner Greg Jensen, allowed residents to tour their yard and garden.

“A total of 26 homes participated in the yard and garden show,” said Jensen. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be apart of it.”

There was a great amount of preparation that was done behind the scenes by those who opened their yards up to the community, but the outcome was well worth it.

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“It was amazing to see what people have done with their yards,” said Griffin. “The soil in this valley is not the greatest for gardening, other than for alfalfa, but I was astounded by the beautiful yards and gardens on display.”

The event raised a total of $1,800 towards the Rocky Mountain Invitation for the Blind.

“Those who attended the event paid $10 to tour the homes,” said Griffin. “We are so grateful for everyone who participated.”