WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.-- Eighteen bars, restaurants, and music venues in Winston-Salem are engaging in a friendly competition this month to see who can raise the most money to send kids who are blind to summer camps for free.

• The Winston-Salem community is stepping up to send kids who are blind or visually impaired to summer camp for free.
• 18 bars, restaurants and music venues in Winston-Salem are competing in May to see who can raise the most money for the campers.
• Every year, donors help send more than 150 kids to camp.

Every year since Ben James was six years old, he has been blessed with the opportunity to go to summer day camps called S.E.E., or Student Enrichment Experience. It is hosted by IFB Solutions and it is for kids who are blind or visually impaired.

"There aren't any really any stars there, we're all equal there. No matter if you're completely blind or somewhat blind or whatever,” camper Ben James said.

James is 18 now and this summer camp has impacted him so much he is moving on to become a volunteer.

"I guess I am more equipped to help other people who are completely blind, because I can see some,” James said.

His mom, Beth James, says the free summer camp has been a life-changer for her son.

"They've taught independent living skills where he learned to make a bed, he's learned some cooking skills, he's learned how to do laundry, he has learned how to work in a garden,” his mother said.

Now, the Winston-Salem community is stepping up to send other kids who are blind or visually impaired, like Ben, to summer camp for free. At least 18 businesses, bars and restaurants are joining forces to raise the money. One of those businesses is Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub.

"It's a matter of letting visually impaired kids have the same opportunity or experience that any child would want, which is just to go to camp and have fun,” said Opie Kirby, owner of Finnigan’s Wake.

Each business has special promos throughout the month of May where certain menu items or a percentage of sales goes towards campers.

"We donated 10 percent of our sales. We'll probably do it again later in the month and then we've donated 100 percent of what we call the ‘IFB Beer’ that we were selling,” Kirby said.

"Because he's always kind of the odd man out in other situations, to go where he's just like everybody else and doesn't stick out in any way that's unusual, makes him feel just happy and comfortable and relaxed, and he's able to enjoy himself more than he would in a typical setting,” Beth James said.

It is an inclusive camp that is designed to help kids feel more confident. You can help make it a reality every day next month.

Every year, donors help send more than 150 kids to camp. To stay up to date on which of your favorite restaurant and bars are hosting events, head to IFB Solutions' Facebook page. There will be new promotions announced frequently.

You do not even have to be in Winston-Salem to get involved. Just grab your phone and text SEE19 to 41444 to donate.