Eagle Archives, Feb. Soutier Fund' to benefit Soutier, who was stricken by optic nerve paralysis in his sophomore year at Pittsfield High School. Facing a world of utter darkness, Francis, now 23, has managed alone to finish his education at Perkins Institute in Worcester after being stricken in his sophomore year at Pittsfield High School, by optic nerve paralysis. His initiative in making and selling men's leather belts, magazine subscriptions, and brooms for the Workshop for the Blind made him eligible to receive one of the splendidly trained German shepherd dogs provided by the nonprofit Seeing Eye School.
He has been receiving instruction at the school for nearly a month to become adjusted to the faithful animal that will lead him through all his waking hours far more carefully than a human escort might. Representatives from several of Pittsfield's service clubs met last night in Peter J. Genovese's office and formed a committee to raise funds for the blind youth.
It is hoped enough will be subscribed to realize Francis' deep desire to open a small newsstand in Pittsfield and become self-supporting. If all goes well he may even be able to support his mother, a widow, who now works on the WPA sewing project although partially crippled from a fall three years ago.
She expects him back home at 11 Church St. Full credit goes to the Emblem Club of the Elks in discovering Francis' plight and his efforts to make a place for himself. Two members of this women's organization submitted the boy's more-than-ordinary problem to the club whose primary purpose is to aid unsighted worthy persons.
Peter J. Genovese, who was named chairman at this initial meeting, stressed the fact that all contributions received will be deposited in a special account, "The Francis H. Soutier Fund," and any sum received above that needed for immediate assistance will be held in trust and administered by committee members.
