On August 4, 2024, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) proudly marked a significant milestone — the 10-year anniversary of Stacey Gibbins’ influential journey with NWABA. Stacey’s remarkable tenure with NWABA began in 2014 when she joined as ou
r first full-time Programs & Services team member. This pivotal moment was made possible through a transformative three-year grant from the KMR Group Foundation, supported by local community leaders Kate Jones and Marty Rifkin. Her appointment as Director of Programs marked the beginning of a new era for NWABA, setting the stage for the in
credible growth and success we celebrate today.
From day one, Stacey’s passion for empowering individuals who are blind through sports and physical activity has been the driving force behind NWABA’s expansion. Over the past decade, her visionary leadership has resulted in extraordinary milestones that have defined NWABA’s success:
These figures are more than mere statistics; they symbolize the countless lives transformed by NWABA and the num
erous opportunities created for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Stacey’s dedication has enabled NWABA’s athletes to pursue their dreams, build confidence, and experience the joy of sports.
Reflecting on her decade with NWABA, Stacey shared heartfelt insights into the relationships that have profoundly shaped her journey with our organization:
“When I moved to Vancouver, WA from New York, I never imagined finding myself surrounded by such a remarkable
community. The relationships I’ve built with our athletes, volunteers, and team at NWABA have profoundly impacted my life and have been the most rewarding part of this extraordinary journey. Their strength, determination, and passion inspire me every day. Together, we’ve created something truly special. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of everyone involved and honored to continue this journey with all of you as we continue to Enrich Lives and Provide Opportunities.”
Kate Jones of the KMR Group Foundation, who played a crucial role in bringing Stacey on board, reflected on this mo
mentous occasion:
“Stacey Gibbins’ 10-year anniversary with NWABA is a testament to her dedication and significant impact on their programs. We are proud to support her journey and the programs she has helped grow. The KMR Group Foundation values our partnership with NWABA, which empowers these programs to thrive. Congrats, Stacey, on this incredible milestone. Here’s to many more years of success!”
On behalf of the individuals and families we serve, we extend our deepest gratitude to the KMR Group Foundation for believing in NWABA at a pivotal time and for their unwavering suppor
t over the past decade.
As we celebrate this milestone, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Stacey for her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Her transformational leadership has not only shaped NWABA but also inspired countless individuals to achieve their fullest potential. We eagerly anticipate the future as NWABA continues to grow and expand its reach.
Thank you, Stacey, for ten incredible years with NWABA. Here’s to many more milestones and achievements in the years to come!