Chris Flynt, the 2010 recipient for personal service, developed and heads a program at Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind called A Brighter Path. Born with the degenerative eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa, Flynt became moderately impaired as a teenager and legally blind in his 20s. With a college degree but unable to find work in his field of computer science, he went to work in 2001 at Industries for the Blind putting labels on poly bags. He sought out other opportunities there and soon moved from the manufacturing floor to manage a new computer lab and library for the blind.

That move changed his life and the lives of countless others. He spends his days and often his nights and weekends improving the lives of other blind and visually impaired persons. He teaches them about using public transportation, going shopping, living independently in an apartment setting, self defense, financial management and other skills.

Through A Brighter Path at Industries for the Blind, he has organized a wide range of activities, including a darts club, book club, bowling club, a choir that produced a holiday CD, pottery and kudzu basket making classes, and hiking and running clubs.