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 ]
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2007 Promotion of Peace and Vision AwardsMay 8, 2008The 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 |
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40th Annual BenefitJune 12, 2007The "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. |
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Denver Wine TastingMay 20, 2007Hosted 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. |
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Ambassadors' Wine TastingMay 6, 2007Guatemala 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. |
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Society of Eye Surgeons Annual Breakfast MeetingLas Vegas, Nevada; November 13, 2006Dr. 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. |
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Kelly Collection of American IllustrationSeptember 17, 2006Richard 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!" |
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39th Annual BenefitApril 5, 2006The 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. |
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Denver Wine TastingMay 22, 2005Hosted 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. |
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Spring Fashion ShowApril 26,2005H.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 ]









