Spencer Kontnik’s Letter from the 2020 Listen Foundation Non-Event

Dear Friends

This year has been an emotional rollercoaster for all of us, but I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. The Listen Foundation’s 26^th annual Non-Event takes on a special meaning this year. It provides a platform for us to continue to engage and support the deaf and hard of hearing community while respecting “social distancing”.  It is our hope, as you think about your charitable giving this year, that you will consider donating to the Listen Foundation 26^th annual Non-Event. Any amount, big or small makes a difference.

When I was six years old, I lost my hearing after being hit in the head with a baseball bat while playing at recess.  The experience shaped much of my childhood and the Listen Foundation provided invaluable resources helping me and my family adjust to new realities.  Without the Listen Foundation, my family would not have been able to provide me with the auditory and verbal foundations that I have today. 

Twenty years ago, to give back, my family and I attempted to swim 21 miles across the English Channel to raise money for the Listen Foundation.  We battled the cold, 10-foot waves, and seasickness for over 7 hours, and we raised more than $150,000 for the Listen Foundation.

Now, twenty years later, I am chairing the 26^th annual Non-Event and “social distancing” fundraiser to raise money to provide therapy to children with hearing loss. The Listen Foundation provides auditory and verbal therapy teaching deaf and hard of hearing children how to listen and talk. We also provide family support services, school visits, professional development, and parent education.  

The Listen Foundation has been extremely fortunate during these past couple of months to be able to continue providing therapy services. Through tele-health, our capacity to deliver therapy through online video technology has been unchanged. In fact, the Listen Foundation has taken on more clients as local families were moved to a tele-health platform from the clinic setting due to social distancing guidelines. This ability to carry on, however, means that the Listen Foundation’s fundraising must be maintained to continue providing critical therapy services at the current level. To accomplish this, we need your help. 

This event has been successful in the past thanks to the generosity of our friends and community. This Non-Event does not require a tuxedo, a new dress, or a babysitter.  There are no long speeches.  

Just show your support by sending a check or donate online at www.listenfoundation.org.

Thank you in advance – again – any amount, big or small, makes a difference

Very truly yours,

   Spencer

Spencer J. Kontnik
Listen Foundation Board Member

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