LAWTON – Local restaurateurs continue their support for the Lawton Council of the Blind. On Super Bowl weekend, February 5-7, Cabo Taco Cocina Mexicana and No Name Pizza will contribute a portion of their sales to the blind organization.
City Councilman Sean Fortenbaugh and his wife Jennifer, owners of Cabo Taco Cocina Mexicana and No Name Pizza, said both restaurants will donate 15% of Super Bowl weekend sales to the Blind Council.
A portion of those funds will go toward a scholarship endowment for visually impaired students at Cameron University, said LCB President Kay Love.
The Fortenbaughs were introduced to LCB through the Lawton Access Board, and believe the grassroots establishment is “a worthwhile organization to support,” he said.
“The City invests in sidewalks and handicap accessibility,” said Councilman Fortenbaugh, who represents Lawton’s Sixth Ward. “And blindness is one of the most severe afflictions a person can have.”
Proponents for ease of access for those who have limitations and disabilities, the Fortenbaughs have held fundraisers in the past for LCB. In previous years, the organization received donations of approximately $4,500, Fortenbaugh added.
“It’s always important to give back to the community,” said Mrs. Fortenbaugh. “While we’re able to help with fundraisers for organizations like the Council of the Blind, it’s also very rewarding to see how many people come out and support the cause.
“And, as business owners, we feel it’s just the right thing to do.”
The Fortenbaughs hope to break the previous fundraising records as more customers become aware of not only the newer restaurants’ great cuisine but seize an opportunity to help LCB.
Love, formerly academic advisor and counselor at Cameron University, added that the Fortenbaughs’ continued support serves as a testament to community inclusion Lawtonians have for the those with disabilities.
“People assume that the visually impaired aren’t interested in getting out and doing anything,” said Love. “That is not the case. Lawton Council of the Blind is working to help people who have the same issues, disabilities and needs to be part of something.
“We do our best to keep people engaged and contributing to society, so they do not feel so isolated.”
Since its inception, members of LCB have been invited by the Friends of the Wichitas to tour the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. The organization was also welcomed to concerts with the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra as well as Lawton Community Theatre’s performances including a production of Peter Pan.
Recalling the Peter Pan performance, Love said, “One of our members said that was the first time she was able to attend a performance of any kind with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She felt that for the first time, her blindness was not a restriction. She was in tears and proud that she could participate in a family activity that many others may take for granted.”
Of the state’s five blind chapters, Lawton is the only chapter that has established a scholarship endowment, said Love. She was also proud to announce that Lawton Council of the Blind had officially received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will allow donations to be tax deductible.
Cabo Taco offers a variety of authentic entrees from street tacos with your choice of beef, chicken steak white fish or shrimp, with fresh veggies, cilantro and sides of guacamole, refried, pinto or black beans, rice and more.
In honor of the late Sgt. C.H. Brazzel, of the Lawton Police Department and pillar of the community, one of No Name Pizza’s hometown favorites is “The Joe Friday” or “Just the Facts.” That pie is the perfect combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, onions, green peppers, red sauce and No Name’s signature Fab-5 cheese blend.
Both Cabo Taco and No Name Pizza offer dine-in, carryout and delivery.
Rocco Bonacci, fundraising co-chair of LCB, said the organization will provide updates through Facebook Live.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the community has given us,” said Bonacci, who is a regular at both restaurants. “Both eateries have great tasting foods and we really appreciate the Fortenbaughs’ continuing support. The Fortenbaughs are just so great to work with.”
On Super Bowl Sunday millions of fans will be watching on CBS stations to see whether the AFC or NFC will dominate this year. Kick-off at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, is set for 5:30 p.m. Central, Sunday, February 7.
“We just want people to come in and help us support the organization,” said Councilman Fortenbaugh. “We just ask them to come in for lunch or dinner during those days and we’ll take care of the donations.”
Both located at 7165 Cache Road, Cabo Taco accepts orders by telephone at 580- 476-6100 or online at https:// www.cabotacomex.com. No Name Pizza can be reached by phone at 580-771-4343 or online at https://www. noname.pizza.
For more details about the Lawton Council of the Blind, visit Lawton Council of the Blind on Facebook or call Kay Love at 580-536-1650.