A group photo of Vibrant Works Board of Director Dr. Adrienne Ari, Board Chair Tom Stringfellow, Cleanlogic CRO Kirk VanRoekel, Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, Vibrant Works CEO Cindy Watson, HEB Public Affairs Manager Sonia Canales, Vibrant Works Employee of the Year Israel Bolivar.

Vibrant Works Celebrates White Cane Safety Day

We proudly hosted our second annual White Cane Safety Day on Oct. 15, bringing together employees, corporate partners and local leaders to honor the white cane as a universal symbol of independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The morning began with a march led by our employees, all proudly wearing purple T-shirts with the word “Limitless” across the front.

Following the march, we were honored to welcome District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, who shared her support for the event and the meaning of the white cane.

“It’s not just a tool; it’s a beacon of freedom,” Viagran said.

Our President and CEO Cindy Watson spoke about how White Cane Safety Day reflects the organization’s mission of empowerment and inclusion.

“The white cane enables us to navigate life, be independent and live fulfilled lives,” Watson said.

We were also joined by Kirk VanRoekel, chief revenue officer of Cleanlogic, who announced that a portion of Cleanlogic’s H-E-B sales during October will benefit our mission at Vibrant Works.

“If you choose to buy a Cleanlogic product, remember it’s not just a purchase – it’s also an impact,” VanRoekel said.

Cleanlogic generously gifted our employees with its signature mesh sponges and facial buffers.

We were equally grateful to Sonia Quirino Canales, H-E-B public affairs manager, who presented a $10,000 donation from H-E-B in support of Vibrant Works’ Orientation and Mobility Program. H-E-B also surprised six of our employees with $100 gift cards in recognition of their hard work.

One of the most memorable moments came from Israel Bolivar, our Vibrant Works Employee of the Year and the National Industries for the Blind 2025 Employee of the Year. Bolivar shared how receiving his first white cane at age 8 marked the beginning of his independence.

“The white cane has become my eyes. It guides me, keeps me safe and allows me to explore the world. Don’t be afraid of it; it’s your tool for independence and success,” he said.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success!

A group photo of Vibrant Works Board of Director Dr. Adrienne Ari, Board Chair Tom Stringfellow, Cleanlogic CRO Kirk VanRoekel, Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, Vibrant Works CEO Cindy Watson, HEB Public Affairs Manager Sonia Canales, Vibrant Works Employee of the Year Israel Bolivar.
Cindy speaks at a podium in front of a purple Vibrant Works wall as a large audience in purple shirts listens attentively.
Vibrant Works CEO Cindy Watson speaks at a podium to a large audience seated in rows, many wearing purple Vibrant Works shirts.
Councilwoman Viagran speaks at the podium and smiles.
Cleanlogic CRO Krik VanRoekel speaks at a podium while attendees in purple shirts listen from rows of chairs.
Cindy and HEB’s Sonia Canales stand smiling and clapping at a clear podium in front of the Vibrant Works wall while others watch from the audience.
Cindy Watson, Sonia Canales, Israel Bolivar and Patty Vela smile while holding an oversized $10,000 H-E-B Helping Here check made out to Vibrant Works in support of Orientation and Mobility programs.
Two women in purple Vibrant Works shirts walk arm in arm outside, one using a white cane, as other participants follow behind them.
A large group of people wearing purple “Limitless” shirts walk together outdoors with white canes, moving in a line.

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