Area senior citizens gathered to help raise money for The Blind Center of North Carolina in Washington Saturday at the eleventh annual Rock-a-Thon. The Blind Center assists the visually impaired for the entire state of North Carolina.

Over 10 seniors rested in rocking chairs after gathering donations from area business’s, along with friends and family. Those seniors rocked from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Others helped with the bake sale and crafts, while in the face painting area, the center was taking donations.

Executive Director of The Blind Center, Blair Bergevin said, “our clients rock in rocking chairs after finding sponsors to help raise money for the center.”

93-year-old Emilie Wilkes, who is a client and the oldest participant in the Rock-a-Thon helped gain donations through letter writing to family and friends.

Wilkes said, “I sent out 36 letters this year, and I got about half of them back.”

All the participants in the Rock-a-Thon come to The Blind Center four days a week for three hours each day. Transportation and lunch provided, while the center also tries to keep the seniors socially active.

The senior citizens who participated in the five hour long Rock-a-Thon, did not have to stay seated the entire time according to Bergevin.

One of the missions of The Blind Center is educating the blind and visually impaired through education.

Oscar “Doc” Webster, who is the only male client at The Blind Center said, “it has been uplifting and improved my moral since I started coming here. It gives me some confidence because everybody is friendly and we are all like siblings.”

Throughout the year, the agency hosts several fund raising events, with all contributions tax deductible. ​The center takes monetary donations throughout the year, along with welcoming volunteers.

“This is the only fundraiser the clients can actively participate in, and we encourage them to do it,” Bergevin said.

The Blind Center of North Carolina also maintains client representation through the Beaufort County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.