We are excited to share highlights from our 49th Annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic, held on June 15 at the scenic Mount Kisco Country Club. It was an unforgettable day filled with golf, incredible guide dogs, adorable puppies, and an inspiring show of generosity. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the event, supporting the mission of Guiding Eyes.
Guiding Eyes graduate Shawn Cheshire served as our guest speaker, sharing a powerful account of her sudden vision loss and how her relationship with Guiding Eyes supported her way back to an independent life. You can watch the video of Shawn through this link or visit our Your Impact page, where Shawn’s speech and that of the previous five graduate speakers are posted.
Be sure to explore our full photo gallery to relive this remarkable event using the button provided below.
First, here are some highlights of the big day! (Click on photos to enlarge.)
Guide dogs Juan, a yellow Labrador, and Arnold, a black Labrador, rest comfortably in the shade while Eli Manning, longtime supporter of Guiding Eyes and current Board Member, poses on one knee alongside his friend Pat Browne III, a dedicated Guiding Eyes supporter, and Chris Perry, President and CEO of Guiding Eyes. The group gathers on the lawn for a photo at the Golf Classic. Pat’s father, Pat Browne Jr., was a champion blind golfer who played a pivotal role in pioneering the sport.
A golfer kneels on the grass wo connect with Juan, a yellow Labrador guide dog wearing a blue guide dog harness. Katherine, a Foundation Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), crouches nearby, smiling as she watches the joyful interaction against the backdrop of rolling greens, bright blue skies, and a tree-lined horizon.
A photographer takes a team photo on the fairway as golfers pose alongside Eli Manning, Guiding Eyes Board Member, and Chris Perry, President & CEO of Guiding Eyes. In front of the group, guide dogs Juan (left) and Roger (right), both yellow Labradors, rest on the grass beneath a bright June sky.
Jolene Hollister, Manager of Running Guides, stands with Steinway, a male black-and-tan German Shepherd guide dog in training. Alongside is Shawn Cheshire, a Guiding Eyes graduate, para-athlete, and United States Army veteran, with guide dog Nick, a male black-and-tan German Shepherd.
Eli Manning leans down to greet the wife of Al Maiolo as their four daughters and Chris Perry look on. One daughter holds a lifetime achievement award plaque presented in Al’s honor following his passing earlier this year. Al was a longtime friend and supporter of Guiding Eyes and played an integral role in the organization’s annual golf event.
Eli Manning, wearing sunglasses, holds a yellow Labrador retriever puppy, Rodeo, at the Golf Classic. Rodeo is adorable with his rear puppy paw extended forward as they stand beneath a blue sunny sky.
Golf Classic attendees gather on a covered patio, smiling and interacting with puppies from the R26 litter – Rascal (a yellow male), Robin (a black female), Rajah (a black male), and Rodeo (a yellow male).
Eli Manning joins Chris Perry, President & CEO – cradling Rodeo, an adorable yellow Labrador puppy – and friend Pat Browne III for a lively moment at the Golf Classic, with adorable Rodeo stealing the spotlight.
At the Golf Classic Reception, Rebekah Cross, a Guiding Eyes graduate and Director of Donor Relations, and her guide dog Kokomo, stand with Victor Rosenzweig and Dennis Mench, both Guiding Eyes supporters and golfers, bringing connection and community together at the event.
Sr. Training Support Mgr, Ben (out of frame) with guide dog in training, Roger, a yellow Lab whose joyful expression is a wonderful representation of this exciting and impactful event.
Juan, a yellow Labrador guide dog, is on a sunlit golf course, wearing a blue Unifly harness, as football legend and Guiding Eyes board member Eli Manning kneels beside him, highlighting support for the organization’s mission and incredible guide dogs.
We are profoundly grateful to our sponsors for their generous support. Their partnership helped make this year’s event a tremendous success and empowers us to continue our mission of providing exceptional guide dogs to individuals with vision loss.
