The Utah Council of The Blind

Why Fundraising Matters to the Utah Council of the Blind

To Donate To the UCB: Click Here

From Sandy England
You may have wondered, “Why does the Utah Council of the Blind need to fundraise?” The answer is simple: because our programs cost money, and we depend on the generosity of others to keep those programs going. The Utah Council of the Blind (UCB) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization. The people who keep our organization running give their time because they believe in our mission and want to make a difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.
But while our volunteers donate their time, the programs themselves still have expenses. UCB provides services that help people who are blind or visually impaired become more independent, stay connected to their communities, learn new skills, get where they need to go, and live fuller, more self-sufficient lives.

Where Does the Money Come From?
Our programs are funded through grants from foundations and corporations, donations from individuals, and our own fundraising efforts. Every source of funding is important. But grants are competitive, donations can vary, and there is no guarantee that we will receive enough grant money each year to cover everything our programs need. That is why fundraising matters.
Throughout the year, UCB offers several ways for people to support our organization while getting something in return. These include our Christmas Stocking Fundraiser, Easter Basket Fundraiser, and Pop-Up Boutiques, where you can purchase fun and useful items while helping support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. When you buy a Christmas stocking, purchase an Easter basket, shop at one of our Pop-Up Boutiques, participate in another UCB fundraiser, or simply make a donation, you are helping provide the money we need to continue our programs.

Every Dollar Helps
Think about it this way:
Our volunteers give their time. Our donors give their money. Together, those gifts make our programs possible. Even a small contribution matters. Five dollars matters. Ten dollars matters. Twenty dollars matters. When many people give a little, it adds up to something much bigger. You may think, “It’s only $18 for the Christmas Stocking.” However, that $18 becomes part of the funding that allows UCB to provide services to people who are blind throughout Utah. And fundraising isn't just about raising money. It is about raising awareness. Every time you tell a friend about a UCB fundraiser, share a Facebook post, purchase an item, or encourage someone else to participate, you are helping more people learn about what UCB does and why our services are important.

You Can Help!
The next time you see a UCB fundraiser, please participate if you can.
Buy a Christmas stocking.
Purchase an Easter basket.
Shop at one of our Pop-Up Boutiques.
Make a donation.
Tell your family and friends about UCB.
You don't have to make a large donation to make a difference. Every purchase, every dollar, and every person who spreads the word helps.
Remember that when you donate or purchase something from the Utah Council of the Blind, you are getting the benefits also. Hope this has helped to educate us on why we do fund raising.

To Donate To the UCB: Click Here

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UCB Craft Day

Craft Activity
From Kira Larkin
On Saturday, November 7, 2026
We will be holding a Craft Activity at DSBVI, 250 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may come and make something to give as a gift or just as a keepsake for yourself. We will have items for you to paint and put together. You will need to pay for these items. You can pay at the activity or prior to it.
We will need you to RSVP by November 4th
Please include the items you would like to create.

The list of items to create includes:

Ceramic items to paint -like vases, small statues, and salt and pepper shakers (ranging in price from $3 to $10).
Wood items to paint -like small boxes, wooden shapes such as animals, and/or wooden wall hangings ($3 each).
Candy bouquets –these are different candies on wooden sticks placed in a glass vase partially filled with colored rocks ($6.00 to $12.00 depending on the size of candy used).
Bracelets –bracelets will be pre-made in whatever color you have previously requested. Please pre-requisite the charm you would like so that it will be available that day. ($3 each).
Greeting cards –the cards will be pre-made as requested with either “Happy Birthday”, “Thank You”, flowers, or baby items embossed on each one. You will be able to decorate each card with stickers. These must be pre-requested ($1.50 each).

We will be having lunch, which will be pizza. If you want to eat lunch, it will be $4.00 per person.
If you are interested in coming, please call Kate Balzly at (801) 245-9264 by November 4th.

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Deadline to make Reservations for the UCB Holiday Celebration

November 20 Deadline. -Your Resevations must be turned in by this date
-Please call Kate with the UCB at:
(801) 245-9264
Be prepared to tell Kate all your information. We hope you will all come and join us for this celebration!
Holiday Celebration Reservation Form
Cost: $7 per person,
$5 for those who are 4-12 years old,
3 years and under are free
Name:
Number in group:
Number of children 4-12 years old:
Number of children 3 or younger:
Please contact Kate with the UCB at:
(801) 245-9264
Be prepared to tell her of any dietary restrictions.
Reservation must be in no later than November 20th.

More Information about the UCB Holiday Celebration: Click Here

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UCB Christmas Stocking Fundraiser!

From Sandy England
Make someone’s Christmas a little sweeter while supporting the Utah Council of the Blind! Our Christmas stockings are only $18 each – and they’re filled to the brim! Each stocking is specially prepared for the recipient, so when you order, be sure to specify whether it is for a male or female, child, teen, or adult. We even have stockings specially made for your favorite dogs and cats!

Special Bonus This Year!
We are excited to announce that Great Harvest has generously donated a gift basket valued at $50! The basket will be awarded to the person who sells or purchases the most Christmas stockings between now and December 1st.
So spread the word! Tell your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else who loves Christmas and wants to support a great cause. The more stockings you sell or purchase, the better your chance of taking home this wonderful gift basket!

Stocking Pickup
Stockings will be available for pickup at the UCB Christmas Party on Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Every Stocking Makes a Difference
100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser go directly toward services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your purchase helps the Utah Council of the Blind continue providing programs and services that promote independence, opportunity, and greater quality of life for people throughout Utah.

Order Yours Today!
Call the Utah Council of the Blind office at 801-245-9264 to place your order.
So order one, order several, and help us fill Utah with Christmas cheer! Don’t forget to tell all your friends, family, etc. and have them mention your name so you will get the credit.
Any question, please call Sandy England at:
(801) 634-8002 or the UCB office at: (801) 245-9264.

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Interview with Anna Jeffery on VoyageUtah

Just wanted to let you know that the article is now live on VoyageUtah!

Here's the link:
Go To VoyageUtah Article

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Listen to UCB Interview, 2023

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The Utah Council of the Blind, also known as UCB, is a membership organization made up primarily of blind and visually impaired individuals who seek to improve the lives of people with various degrees of vision loss. We are a state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), which gives us a national voice, yet allows us to be independent in creating our own goals, programs, along with keeping and using donations within the State of Utah. The UCB is recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, which allows donations to our organization to be tax deductible. Our members pay a small annual fee, but we primarily depend on grants, private donations, and small fundraising events throughout the year to provide the funding for our many programs and activities.

Our organization uses over 90% of all income solely for our programs, with less than 10% spent on administrative costs. With that in mind, in order to keep our overhead costs down, all of our board members and our executive director work on a volunteer basis. We also have a large need for volunteers to complete various tasks, from office work, driving, reading mail, helping with getting large mailings ready to send, and soliciting donations to assist with setting-up, running, and taking down of activities.

Smith's Rewards

First, you must have a Smith's rewards card. If you do not have this card, ask for one at a checkout or service desk when you are at Smith's. For those of you who use your rewards cards to earn gasoline discounts, be aware that the Community Rewards do not affect those discounts at all. You will still be able to accumulate fuel points as before.

Second, you must have registered the card online. To do this, go to www.smithsfoodanddrug.com, follow the link to register and fill out the form with your email address, a password you create, your home store, etc.
To assign the UCB as your charitable organization: