Failing eyesight made it impossible for Key and Francis Parrish to make the 14-mile drive to the nearest source of clean drinking water on Utah's section of the Navajo Nation.
The elderly couple drank from a well meant for their livestock until a simple surgery performed by the John A. Moran Eye Center outreach team reversed their blindness and restored their independence.
Guests attending Moran's 2017 Night for Sight fundraiser gala heard from the couple in a short film, getting a chance to see their donations in action as they made the event a record success. Generous Night for Sight donors, sponsors, and volunteers raised more than $540,000 to support Global Outreach Division local and international programs.
"We are so very grateful to everyone involved in making the night such a success," said Michael Yei, Moran's Global Outreach Division manager. "Our supporters truly understand the transformative impact of outreach work. Restoring sight helps not only the patient, but their family and their community."
The April 28 gala drew 500 guests and offered something for everyone, including a gourmet dinner and both silent and live auctions. View photos from the event here.
Silent auction items included premium outdoor gear, coveted works of art, exotic getaways, and local nights on the town not to mention a World Market featuring handmade art and craft items gathered during Moran outreach team trips. Among them: Navajo rugs and intricate horse-hair pottery, carved bowls from Africa, and Guatemalan tapestries. Live bidding prompted friendly competition for packages including a local performance of the musical Hamilton, a fly fishing trip with Moran physicians, and an in-home dinner party with renowned chef Mikel Trapp and a performance by composer Kurt Bestor, who also narrated the Navajo film.
Moran CEO Randall J Olson, MD, took to the stage to personally extend his thanks to guests. He also bestowed the event's inaugural Global Ambassador Award to longtime Moran friend and volunteer Christine Fairclough.
"Chris is making a real difference in Moran's global outreach work," said Olson. "We could not have asked for a more dedicated ambassador, and we are truly grateful for her guidance, generosity, and commitment."
Moran's outreach work is funded solely through donations. While everyone who attends, donates to, or volunteers for Night for Sight is a critical part of efforts to end unnecessary blindness, Moran extends a special thanks to the 2017 Night for Sight Committee and its chair, Julie Crandall, along with Global Outreach Division Co-Directors Alan S. Crandall, MD and Geoff Tabin, MD.
Moran is also extremely thankful to the many business and community leaders throughout Salt Lake, Park City, and the entire Wasatch Front for their participation in the event:
Finally, Moran's utmost gratitude goes to the medical professionals, volunteers, and industry partners who give their time and resources to make outreach work possible.
To be a part of the next Night for Sight as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor, please contact the Moran Eye Center Development Office at 801.585.9700 or email deedra.lambert@hsc.utah.edu.
Stay in touch with Moran's latest outreach work by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. To receive our monthly e-newsletter, send an email to moran.info@hsc.utah.edu.