A GRAND SUCCESS
This year’s Black and White Night for Sight on June 2
at the Illinois State University Alumni Center saw 100
people Rockin’ & Rollin’ at the ‘50s-themed event, which
raised a remarkable $35,000.
The 250 guests at the 18th Annual Gift of Sight Gala
were transported to a Parisian-wonderland of pink
roses, macarons and Eiffel Tower decorations June 23
at The Peninsula Chicago.
Guests heard from emcee Dan Swaney, honorees Vivian
and Larry Lefferts, and donor father Terry Walters
throughout the evening.
The theme was “Love at First Sight” and
philanthropist and social columnist Candace Jordan
was recognized as this year’s Woman of Vision.
Renowned corneal surgeon Marian Macsai, M.D.,
was named the 2016 Gift of Sight Honoree. The event
was emceed by Linda Yu, anchor at ABC 7 Chicago.
“The success of this year’s event was made possible
through the hard work, passion and dedication of the
event committee, led by co-chairs Karen Magers and
Leanna Bordner,” said Diane Hollingsworth, Executive
Director. “Eversight Illinois is fortunate to have such an
incredible group of people who work tirelessly to raise
both money and awareness in central Illinois, and their
efforts have a real impact on our mission.”
Funds raised for Black and White Night for Sight
support the Dr. John E. Randolph Fund, which covers
the cost of sight-restoring transplants for patients
facing financial hardship. The event’s raffle proceeds
support the Noah C. Moore Memorial Scholarship for
Technical Advancement.
Eversight Illinois gives special thanks to the event’s key sponsors:
OSF Healthcare; Busey; bpa Financial Advisors; STL; Central
States Fireworks, Inc.; Advocate BroMenn Medical Center;
Heartland Bank; O’Brien Mitsubishi of Normal; The Pantagraph;
Commerce Bank; Country Financial, GROMARK, & Illinois
Farm Bureau; Illinois State University Foundation; Dr. Laura C.
Randolph; Little Jewels Learning Center/McDonald’s; Wm Masters,
Inc.; and P.J. Hoerr, Inc. Also, the following sponsors:
In addition to the captivating program, guests
experienced exclusive live and silent auction prizes,
French 75 cocktails, dancing to the Stanley Paul
Orchestra and views from the Shanghai Terrace.
The gala raised more than $150,000 to support
programs that allow us to give the gift of sight
to even more people in need.
“As our largest annual fundraiser, the gala
is critical to our ability to advance services
and change the lives of thousands of
people in the community,” said Diane
Hollingsworth, Executive Director of
Eversight Illinois.
Eversight Illinois extends our deepest gratitude to the gala’s
key sponsors: Dr. David Donnersberger and Dr. Claire Kenneally;
Marion, Michelle and Tony Durpetti; Mrs. Susan Griffiths Gohl;
Carol C. Hogan; and Barry Malkin. Also, the following sponsors:
Fall 2016 | V I S I O N | Page 5