Meet our local leading the way for the visually impaired
Our Founder & CEO, Nick Stone, met Griffin Pinkow in 2016 at a New York City gym. Not only was Griffin a member of the same sports club, but a local at Bluestone Lane’s Collective Café. Griffin & Nick’s friendship began through a shared passion for an active lifestyle (and a good cup of coffee).
Having been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (retinal degenerative disease), Griffin founded The Foreseeable Future Foundation to raise awareness for those living with visual impairments, focusing on having involvement in athletic and recreational activity.
“I originally discovered I had retinitis pigmentosa at age 11 and up until then had full sight. I have always been an athlete and played every sport you can think of, so starting to lose more and more vision over time was tough for me. I wanted to start an organization that both created more awareness around ‘vision loss’ but also something that supported people and children with sight impairments to get out and about and involved in group activities,” explains Griffin.
Foreseeable Future
Since its inception in 2013, Griffin has built The Foreseeable Future Foundation into an impressive community that helps the visually impaired and focuses on improving their lives through education, athletics, music, art and career building.
“I met Griffin fortuitously one day at the gym where I saw he was just working harder than anyone else in the room. We formed an incredible bond from that day and also a great friendship,” says Nick.
“The thing that’s most incredible about Griffin is his positivity, his optimism, his courage and resilience. There are very few things he won’t challenge himself to do, despite being visually impaired, and I don’t know one person that he wouldn’t inspire.”
Nick & Griffin’s friendship has lead to an incredible partnership between Bluestone Lane and The Foreseeable Future Foundation (FFF). To date, Bluestone Lane has had the opportunity to help raise awareness for the visually impaired through a number of events and activities. Beyond hosting a Brunch in the Dark, BL has also been honored to help in coordinating and managing the inaugural 2018 FFF Ball, and by sponsoring outdoor fitness activities for a number of young visually impaired people. In 2017, the entire BLHQ team participated in a dinner in the dark experience to gain a greater appreciation for those suffering from visual impairments.
“Griffin is so selflessly focused on providing opportunities for young people who are blind or visually impaired, through sporting, outdoors and artistic experiences. His reach and impact is extraordinary. He is the best of humanity – someone who has suffered from a really challenging condition, but channels his energy completely towards helping others, without a whimper of frustration or sadness,” says Nick.
Seeing Past Sight Ball
This year, Nick will speak at the second annual ‘Seeing Past Sight Ball,’ as a member of the FFF board. It will be held on May 16 at the Tribeca Rooftop in NYC.
“I’ve learnt so much from Griffin – particularly the way he deals with the tough hand he’s been dealt and uses that to help others. It’s why I’m so passionate about partnering with the Foreseeable Future Foundation, and hope to see more of our community join us in support at the annual gala.”
Hosted by The Foreseeable Future Foundation and sponsored by Bluestone Lane, we warmly welcome you to join us in a celebration of athletic inclusion for people with visual impairments in active lifestyle events around the world. Enjoy an evening of networking, drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres, and help cast a vision onto another year of improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports and recreation.
Bluestone Lane will also be hosting its second Brunch in the Dark fundraiser later this year, which will be held in Los Angeles for the first time.
