Lions Eye Institute
Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research Event Shines Light on the Fight Against Blindness
TAMPA, Fla.— Saturday, Oct. 15, hundreds of people gathered to help raise more than $150,000 at the 2011 Eye Ball Gala in support of the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research (LEITR) and its mission to give the gift of sight. The gala, held at Raymond James Stadium Refined, brought LEITR one step closer to unlocking the cure for blindness.
During the night’s festivities, guests heard testimonials from people who have lost loved ones that made the brave decision to be an organ donor. As the night progressed, guests also heard from grateful recipients that have regained their sight thanks to a corneal transplant and LEITR’s research.
“My son always wanted to help others and we were so proud of his choice to be an organ donor,” said Florida State Senator Steve Oelrich. “We experienced a tragic loss but we found hope through the many others who got the chance to live.”
“When I lost my son, I did not know a lot about organ donation,” said Carolyn Glaspy, mother of former Bengals professional football player Chris Henry. “I now know many of the people who my son helped save and they are now a part of my family. My son helped save so many other wonderful people.”
There are more than 45 million blind and visually impaired people across the globe. Because of the overwhelming support from its donors and sponsors, LEITR will be able to increase research and corneal transplants.
“People may know about visual impairments and blindness but many may not know how they can help,” said Jason Woody, president and CEO of LEITR. “We were so thankful to the speakers, guests and sponsors who came out to the 2011 gala and made the night such a success.”
About the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research (LEITR)
The Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research, Inc., (LEITR) is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to the recovery, evaluation and distribution of eye tissue for transplantation, research and education. LEITR’s Eye Bank, located in Tampa, Fla., is the only combined eye bank and ocular research center in the world. Since its inception, it has brought the “Gift of Sight” to more than 40,000 men, women and children worldwide. For more information, visit www.lionseyeinstitute.org.
Media Contact:
Kelley K. Sims, Foundation Director
(813) 289-1200 (Main)
(813) 833-1894 (Mobile)
[email protected]