International Eye Foundation Events
Past IEF Events Remembered
IEF and the Community Working to Raise Funds for Eye Care
Each year, the International Eye Foundation is the beneficiary of an active and entertaining group of special fundraisers across the U.S. A history of these activities appears here. [ Upcoming Events ]
50th Anniverary Celebration/Ambassadors Wine Tasting
While celebrating a half century of saving sight worldwide, IEF combined events with its Ambassador's Wine Tasting to raise funds for our new eye clinic in Nicaragua. Hosted by Board member Julia Sevilla Hopping at her Bethesda home, over 120 IEF "family" and friends enjoyed unique Nicaraguan cuisine prepared by Julia and her brother Ambassador Eduardo Sacasa, and a selection of wines presented by David and Helen Choi of Pearson's Wine & Spirits in Georgetown. IEF's Teresa Pinzon's daughters Amanda and Monica modeled colorful Nicaraguan costumes.
On behalf of her husband, Ambassador Steve Matenje of Malawi, an IEF Board member who was called to the UN at the last moment, his wife Isabel paid tribute to IEF's five decades of achievement. Nicaragua's Deputy Chief of Mission Alcides Monteil thanked IEF for the new clinic in Managua that will serve 1.5 million people. A Congressional Citation honoring IEF's achievements was presented by Ann Humphrey from the office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen.
Our 2011 Community Member "Promotion of Peace & Vision Award" was proudly presented to The King Family for their unwavering dedication and support through the generations. Accepting the award which honors IEF's founder Dr. John Harry King, Jr. were Mr. Bill Clark and Mrs. Ruth King.
Sipping Wine at the Pearl to Save Sight
Last Sunday, June 5, a crowd of 35 gathered on the outside deck of the Cultured Pearl Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to enjoy some fine wines and fantastic hors d'oeuvres. Sipping and noshing were the order of the day, yet it was all to benefit the IEF and its sight saving work.
The wines, carefully selected to complement the Cultured Pearl's outstanding hors d'oeuvres, were provided by Vintage Imports through Bin 66 Wine and Spirits. A great success, we hope to make this an annual event.
The IEF wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Rob Wood, Donna Welsh, and Nick of the Cultured Pearl, Paul Zientek of Vintage Imports, Tom Poor of Bin 66 Wine and Spirits, and Brent Mundt of CAMP Rehoboth.
Photos: Top L-R: Brent Mundt, Victoria Sheffield, Richard Legon.
Below L-R: Howard Pyle, Victoria Sheffield, Cathy Nowack, Calvin Baerveldt, Kathryn Leckey, William Madden and Kathleen Madden.
Promotion of Peace and Vision Awards Reception for 2008
The IEF was pleased to recognize the recipients of the Promotion of Peace and Vision Awards for 2008. The Awards reception, with a visit by Thomas Jefferson, was held on Sunday, March 15, 2009 in the historic Gadsby's Tavern Museum Ballroom in Alexandria, Virginia.
The recipient of the Ophthalmologist Award for 2008 was Dr. Scott Peterson of Connecticut. Co-honorees for the Community Member Award were Nancyfaye Autenzio and Rowland Bradley of Washington, DC.
More information on the Promotion of Peace and Vision Awards for 2008.
41st Annual Gala the Eye Ball
October 7, 2008
The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC was the elegant backdrop for IEF's 41st Annual Gala the Eye Ball. Co-Chairs Pat Skantze and Shahin Mafi served up a wondrous evening of dining and dancing, along with an exciting auction -- in the name of helping people see. IEF wishes to thank all the sponsors and patrons for their generous support and commitment to saving sight.
Photo -- The Honorable and Mrs. Timothy Trudeau, Platinum Sponsors
2007 Promotion of Peace and Vision Awards
May 8, 2008
The 2007 IEF “Promotion of Peace and Vision” awards were presented to James P. Ganley, MD, DrPH and former Ambassador Guillermo Castillo of Guatemala at a dinner hosted by Taiwan’s Representative to Washington, DC and Mrs. Joseph Wu at the magnificent Twin Oaks estate. Dr. Ganley’s distinguished career as an ophthalmic surgeon and public health specialist included early research on “river blindness” and vitamin A deficiency in Africa. Ambassador Castillo was cited for his personal dedication to IEF’s sight-saving programs in Guatemala. IEF President Victoria Sheffield noted that “they exemplify IEF founder Dr. John Harry King’s belief in the “promotion of peace through the prevention of blindness.” Rep. Wu remarked that Taiwan and the entire global community must remain vigilant supporting global efforts to reduce blindness and control emerging health threats such as SARS and avian flu. Our sincere thanks go to Rep. and Mrs. Wu, their staff, and event chairs Cyd Miller Everett and Julia S. Hopping for making the evening such a success.
In the photo -- L-R: Immediate Past Board Chair Susan T. Fritschler, Board Chair Dr. Jim Ganley, Julia Hopping, Rep. Wu, Cyd Everett, Amb. Castillo, Board Vice Chair Nancyfaye Autenzio
40th Annual Benefit
June 12, 2007
The "House of Sweden" served as an unforgettable venue as IEF celebrated it's 40th Annual Benefit on Tuesday, June 12, 2007. Under the leadership of Benefit Chairs Kathryn Leckey and Bob Best, along with Co-Chair Barbara Heineback, guests enjoyed an enchanting evening dancing to the music of Fifth Avenue. Caroline Vicini, Minister & DCM of the Embassy of Sweden welcomed everyone on behalf of Honorary Patrons the Ambassador of Sweden Gunnar Lund and his wife Ms. Kari Lotsberg. Spirited bidding for an eclectic mix of live and silent auction items ensured a very successful evening.
Denver Wine Tasting
May 20, 2007
Hosted by IEF Board member Helen Clark Atkeson and her husband Stan Raine, friends and colleagues enjoyed a late Spring afternoon of good wine. Held for the second time in Denver, patrons were very generous in their support for IEF's work.
Ambassadors' Wine Tasting
May 6, 2007
Guatemala Ambassador Guillermo Castillo and his wife welcomed guests to their residence to taste fine wines from Argentina. Chairs Nancyfaye Autenzio and Rowland Bradley and Co-Chair Heather Atkins saw to it that a wonderful time was enjoyed by all. Steve Silver of Pearson's Wine & Liquors in Georgetown provided the wines along with information on each. An auction of unique and special items assured the financial success of this sixth Ambassadors' Wine Tasting.
Society of Eye Surgeons Annual Breakfast Meeting
Las Vegas, Nevada; November 13, 2006
Dr. G.N. Rao, IAPB President, spoke on "Primary Eye Care Model-Vision Centre Model Experiences" at IEF's Society of Eye Surgeons breakfast meeting held during the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Nov., 2006. Dr. Juan Odeh-Nasrala of Vision America in Honduras presented on "Vision America & IEF Partnership: A Sustainable Eye Care Model in Central America". With support from the de Beaumont Foundation, IEF has transformed Vision America to an efficient and sustainable social enterprise making quality eye care available to all levels of society, including the poor.
Kelly Collection of American Illustration
September 17, 2006
Richard and Mary Kelly opened their spectacular home and extra-ordinary Masterworks from the Kelly Collection of American Illustration to IEF in September last year. Collections Manager Elizabeth Alberding led a most informative tour for our sponsors, patrons and guests who enjoyed fine wine and hors d'oeuvres, and relished the warm autumn weather. The collection includes over 300 original works including Dean Cornwell, Harvey T. Dunn, J.C. Leyendecker, Howard Pyle, Norman Rockwell, Jessie Wilcox Smith, Sarah Stilwell Weber, and the Wyeths. Event Chair Joan Lemp noted "this is a marvelous way to demonstrate the visual arts and the importance of vision at the same time!"
39th Annual Benefit
April 5, 2006
The historic and beautiful residence of the Colombian Ambassador provided the backdrop to a most successful "Night in Colombia", IEF's 39th Annual Benefit. Greeted by Mrs. Nohra Pastrana, guests were treated to a spectacular evening of lively music, dancing, a spirited auction, and a glorious buffet.
Denver Wine Tasting
May 22, 2005
Hosted by IEF Board member Helen Clark Atkeson, the event featured wines sponsored by Mondo Vino. Ms. Atkeson is the granddaughter of International Eye Foundation founder Dr. John Harry King, Jr.
Spring Fashion Show
April 26,2005
H.E. Ambassador of Guatemala Guillermo Castillo and Mrs. Flor de Maria Castillo hosted a Spring Fashion Show at their home, featuring the latest fashions selected by Marsha B. Nelms, Ltd. in Washington, D.C.
The IEF's blindness prevention and sight saving programs are funded by governmental, foundation, and corporate contributors, as well as individuals like you who generously donate online. Our website showcases our successes and our breadth of services to the developing world. Feel free to contact us with specific questions or requests. [ IEF News ]