CBS 12's Extraordinary People: The Plaza Theatre partners with Beyond Blind Institute

Story By: Michele Wright / CBS 12 News
MANALAPAN, Fla -- Located in beautiful Manalapan, across from the Ritz Carlton hotel, The Plaza Theatre is a new, & unique hotspot. Thrilling adults, children and families with their fun & entertaining shows. Alan Jacobson is the Producing Director of the theater and conservatory which is reaching out & enriching the community in many ways.

Alan Jacobson: We're the new kid on the block. And we're trying to provide something in the theatrical landscape that other theater's are not providing.

"We're also very community-minded. And we're bringing in people who would ordinarily not have an opportunity to go to the theater. We've been working with the Beyond Blind Institute, we're bringing in war veterans to see tribute to Irvin Berlin. We're also proud to bring in at-risk kids to our shows".

Joyce Gugel is the founder and President of Beyond Blind Institute. She knows 1st hand about the challenges members can overcome in life.

Joyce Gugel: I am legally blind. I was diagnosed at the age of 22. Going on to study law with Stargardt's disease. It is an inherited juvenile macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss.

"My journey through visual impairment has given me the opportunity to know what is missing in life and what I struggled so hard to achieve. Health and wellness is one of them".

Joyce says she values the local partnership with The Plaza Theatre, Loggerhead Fitness and Whole Foods. With a hands-on approach, The Beyond Blind Institute & other partners will soon be able to help the blind nationally.

Joyce Gugel: The Plaza Theatre what a wonderful seed planted in the lives of those who needed to be enriched with culture and theater and arts.

"There were about 15 visually impaired members present for their 1st show. I listened to their sighs and laughs and the enjoyment that they had. Just for those few hours which opened up another life for them and this is what we do at BBI."

Alan & Joyce say there is such a joy in inspiring & empowering others.

Alan Jacobson: If Andrea Bocelli can do it and Jos� Feliciano why not the regular folks?

Joyce Gugel: We want to give them the opportunity to love life again. To love life again. This is one of those chances.

CBS 12 salutes The Plaza Theatre & Beyond Blond Institute for their great work in the community.

For more information on the theater & BBI visit our newscast links HERE

If you know an extraordinary person or extraordinary people making a positive difference in South Florida, email Michele Wright at mwright@cbs12.com or submit your nomination on-line below. We'd love to hear about it.

CLICK HERE to fill out a submission formCBS 12's Extraordinary People: The Plaza Theatre partners with Beyond Blind Institute

Friday, February 15 2013, 03:24 PM EST