The Retina Foundation of the Southwest‘s Visionary Luncheon was an especially poignant affair on Wednesday, May 15, at the Meyerson following the death of longtime supporter Herbert Hunt on Tuesday, April 9. Over the years both Herbert and his late sister Caroline Rose Hunt had been ardent supporters of the Foundation because of their vision loss due to macular degeneration. So, it was no surprise that the fundraiser was a gathering of the family including daughters Barbara Hunt Crow and Libby Allred and grandsons Hunt Allred and Nathan Crow, plus Herbert’s niece Lyda Hill and in-laws Al Allred and William Collins. Here’s a report from the field:
The Retina Foundation of the Southwest, an international medical destination for innovative clinical research and treatment, hosted its annual Visionary Luncheon on Wednesday, May 15, with Jennifer and Bill Voss serving as the esteemed co-chairs and Tom Luce serving as the honorary chair. Set at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the space was transformed into a garden of colorful flowers arranged in vases resembling eyeballs, symbolizing the foundation’s mission to cure vision loss.
The event was a resounding success marked with heartfelt speeches by Lyda Hill and incoming Board Chair Laurie Dotter, generous donations and a demonstration of unwavering community support. The 2024 Hunt Family Visionary Award was presented by Lyda Hill to Communities Foundation of Texas’(CFT) W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund for its $2.5 million investment to support groundbreaking research initiatives that have propelled the field of vision science forward. The award was accepted by CFT President/CEO Wayne White, who thanked the Retina Foundation for its risk-taking innovation and leadership in the life sciences community.
In an inspiring display of generosity, Brad Wolken and Mickey Klein, who are both personally impacted by the Retina Foundation, each contributed $50,000 during the live ask portion of the luncheon to support the foundation’s groundbreaking research and patient services. Mickey raised his paddle for $50,000 after hearing his wife Jeanne Klein talk about how much the Retina Foundation gave her hope. These contributions will directly aid in providing hope and healing to those looking for solutions to vision loss. This pushed the Retina Foundation close to its goal of raising $1 million. Fundraising efforts are ongoing.
While Luce was unable to attend the event, Texas 2036 SVP of Strategy and Operations Justin Coppedge stepped in and delivered an eloquent and passionate address that resonated deeply with the attendees.
“Millions of people in Texas are impacted by vision loss and that number will continue to grow with our aging population,” said Coppedge. “The Retina Foundation’s focus on cutting-edge research and expanding access to clinical trials is critical both now and for the future. The work of the Retina Foundation means thousands of baby Texans will benefit from lifetimes of better sight and that those Texans affected by vision loss later in life will be able to remain active in their careers, participate in important causes, and experience life more fully.”
Retina Foundation Chief Executive and Medical Officer Dr. Karl Csaky captivated the audience with his speech about the foundation’s vision for the future. He emphasized the importance of providing everyone with the opportunity for good vision, highlighting the world-class research and role of the Retina Foundation to step in where others cannot. Dr. Csaky’s message underscored the foundation’s commitment to offering hope to those seeking solutions for their diminishing vision.
“I am proud to say that the Retina Foundation is one of the premier medical destinations in the world for innovative research and treatment to save and preserve vision,” said Dr. Csaky. “The work we do at the Retina Foundation is critical. We are dedicated to finding cures and providing solutions for those who face the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to good vision, and we are grateful for the community’s generous support.”
The Visionary Luncheon not only celebrated the achievements of the Retina Foundation but also reinforced the collective effort to improve the lives of those affected by vision loss. The funds raised at the event will support the foundation’s ongoing research, patient trials and patient programs, continuing the legacy of hope and innovation. The luncheon closed with a live performance from Robert Mahurin, who sang a rendition of “What a Wonderful World” which was accompanied by a pianist and slideshow of personal pictures from those positively impacted by the Retina Foundation.
Sponsorships for the Visionary Luncheon ranged from $5,000 to $100,000. Sponsors include:
- Presenting Sponsor – Jennifer and Bill Voss
- Innovator Sponsors – Barbara and Steve Durham, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Judy and Harold Kaye and Margot Perot
- Transformer Sponsors – Helen K. and Robert G. McGraw in memory of W. Herbert Hunt
- Launch Party Sponsors – Donna and Lou Grabowsky
- Patron Party Sponsors – Laurie and Doug Dotter
- VIP Reception Sponsors – Sue and Bill Hutton and Susanna and James H. Merritt
- Accelerator Sponsors – Jill and Grant Henderson, The Nancy and Herbert Hunt Family Foundation, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, Bobbi and Richard Massman, The Rosewood Corporation and Molly and Craige Stout
- Valet Sponsor – Communities Foundation of Texas
- Explorer Sponsors – Amegy Bank, Diane Boddy/Jeanne and Mickey Klein, Sandra and David Callanan, Eva and Karl Csaky, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, Hicks Law Group PLLC/Tia Tomlin, Angela and Marc Klein, Susie and Sandy McDonough, Oncor, Julie and George Peinado and Susan and John Pollack, Stephan Polley, Vivian and Richard Schaar, Sharif and Munir Custom Homes Inc., Texas Retina Associates, Jo and Mitchell Voss and Anna Lee and Justin Wahls
* Photo provided by Retina Foundation