SPARTANBURG -- The Walker Foundation will sponsor a concert by Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Grant to benefit the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, Friday, Nov. 9.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, and tickets can be purchased through the Walker Foundation, the school's fund-raising arm, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The concert will honor SCSDB president Sheila Breitweiser, who plans to retire later this year. Proceeds will go to endow the Breitweiser Opportunity Fund, which provides extracurricular opportunities for students that might not otherwise be available to them. The fund was established soon after Breitweiser learned that the school's teachers were working overtime to wash cars and sponsor fund-raisers for items as basic as sports uniforms, field trips and the arts.

"Because SCSDB is a statewide school, and the majority of the students reside on campus during the week, things like soccer shoes and costumes for plays are often difficult for our children to obtain," said Valerie Barnet, a trustee of the Walker Foundation and chair of the gala event. "The concert just seemed the perfect way to honor Sheila, who is such a strong advocate for children." She added that the Foundation is also taking donations for those who would like to contribute but are unable to attend the concert.

One of the country's most celebrated vocal artists, Amy Grant recently hosted the primetime network television series, "Three Wishes," which granted wishes to those in need.

"It was our wish -- our dream -- to bring to Sheila's retirement celebration someone who reflected her commitment to these special children -- someone who would understand and involve the students in the celebration," Barnet said. "Amy Grant was out first choice, and our prayers were answered when she said 'yes!'" Students from the school have been invited to perform several songs with Grant in honor of Breitweiser.

Tickets to the gala event are $100 and include receptions before and after the concert. During the receptions, attendees will have an opportunity to bid on 15 one-of-a-kind silent auction items. These works of art were created from SCSDB memorabilia and painted by sponsors and community leaders in partnership with SCSDB students.

All proceeds for the auction and concert will benefit the Breitweiser Opportunity Fund. To purchase tickets or request special accommodations, such as braille or large-print programs or wheelchair seating, call the Walker Foundation Office at 864-577-7584 or e-mail thewalkerfoundation@scsdb.org. The event will be sign language interpreted.

Breitweiser will leave a model state agency that has made tremendous strides forward during her 11-year tenure. Her work with the state legislature, donors and federal officials has ensured major facility improvements on the 160-acre campus.

Under her leadership, the State Department of Education has recognized SCSDB's academic achievements by naming the school a Palmetto Gold School for five consecutive years, an accomplishment few South Carolina schools can claim. SDE has also named SCSDB a Red Carpet School for its outstanding customer service. SCSDB received national and regional recognition when it became the country's first school to receive joint accreditation by the national Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

The S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind is a specialized instructional and resource center. It provides services statewide for individuals who are deaf, blind or sensory multi-disabled, their families and the professionals who work with them. SCSDB offers programs for preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, sensory multi-disabled, vocational and postsecondary educational students, as well as a variety of outreach and support services. The main campus is located in Spartanburg, and regional centers are located throughout the state.

For more information, visit www.scsdb.org.

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