The Dream Bigger Campaign recognized ten Trailblazers in the Deaf Community and Hard-of-Hearing Community and celebrated their accomplishment and advancements made in the community with events taking place in their home states throughout the country. As part of the Trailblazer of the Year selection, each of the ten Trailblazer nominees was awarded a $1,000 cash prize from Purple Communications to be donated to their non-profit organization of choice.
Over the past five months over 8,000 people in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community read about each Trailblazer nominee, viewed videos and cast their votes for Trailblazer of the Year. Tullier secured the largest number of votes, and in front of an in-person audience of over 850 at the Trailblazer of the Year finale event, and 21,000 online viewers, was named the winner. He received $10,000 to go toward his organization-of-choice, the Louisiana School for the Deaf, a Baton-Rouge based school serving over 500 Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth. In addition to the charitable donation, Tullier will also receive an all-expense-paid vacation to the destination of his choice.
Be sure to congratulate Tate Tullier, 2009 Trailblazer of the Year and 2009 Trailblazers when you see them in the community!
Keep your eyes peeled for nominations for next year's Trailblazers. There are many trailblazers out there yet acknowledged.
