Night For Sight 2015: A Big Thank You

May 13, 2015

Thanks to generous sponsors, a dedicated committee, and 500-plus guests including local business and community leaders, physicians, families, patients, friends, and more than 60 volunteers the John A. Moran Eye Center's gala fundraiser, Night for Sight, was a terrific success. Held on May 1, 2015, at Salt Lake's Grand America Hotel, the event raised over $410,000 to support Moran's international and local outreach programs an integral part of our mission to treat and cure preventable blindness and vision loss at home and around the world.

"This was a huge team effort," noted Executive Director of External Relations, Lynn Ward. "It not only raised a record amount it was a wonderful opportunity to see so many friends, both old and new, and to share stories about the life-changing work Moran is doing all over the world. We can't thank everyone enough."

Silent and Live Auctions: Local & Global Themes

Guests gathered for a lively reception and dinner along with live and silent auctions, including a colorful "World Market" that featured handicrafts and art gathered by Moran physicians and volunteers on outreach trips to Haiti, Guatemala, and Ghana. Silent auction items also included framed art from top artists and galleries, premium outdoor gear, and exceptional getaways. Once guests were seated for dinner, they were greeted by Moran CEO Randall J Olson, MD. He then turned the stage over to an enthusiastic auctioneer who inspired guests to bid on unique items ranging from driving fantasy racecars in Las Vegas to an in-home dinner party featuring a menu prepared by chef Mikel Trapp along with a private concert by Kurt Bestor. Other popular packages included dawn patrol and "first tracks" at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort and a professional fly fishing excursion with top surgeons.

Short films illustrating Moran's outreach efforts rounded out the evening. Attendees learned about Moran's recent missions to Guatemala, with glimpses inside a small hospital where emotions run high with every grateful patient and family member as well as dedicated team members.

Part of the Solution

Everyone who attends, donates to, or volunteers at Night for Sight is a critical part of our effort to end unnecessary blindness. Donors of time or money support a proud tradition of providing medical care for the underserved, locally and around the world including training doctors and other health care professionals in 25 countries and six continents to provide eye care.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to our Honorary Chair, Claudia Skaggs Luttrell, Event Chair Kelly Belden Fisher, and the volunteer committee who worked tirelessly to create such a special evening. Thanks also to Drs. Geoff Tabin and Alan Crandall, co-directors of Moran's Outreach Division. We are also extremely grateful to the many community and business leaders throughout the Salt Lake Valley, Park City, and the entire Wasatch Front who participated in the event. And finally, a sincere thanks to the medical professionals from the Moran and all of our industry partners who volunteer time and resources to do outreach work in Utah and around the world.

Please enjoy this photo album from Night for Sight 2015!

See the video shorts and learn more about Night for Sight.

If you are interested in volunteering, attending, or receiving information about sponsoring the next Night for Sight, please contact the Moran Eye Center Development Office at 801-585-9700.

Thank You to Our Night for Sight Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Bamberger-Allen Health & Education Foundation
Fred & Christine Fairclough
June & Mitchell Morris Foundation

Platinum Sponsors

John & Toni Bloomberg
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
John & Marva Warnock

Visionary Sponsors

A Devoted Outreach Supporter
Robert Judelson
Claudia Skaggs Luttrell
The Mark & Kathie Miller Foundation
The Stewart Family Foundation