May 5th Fundraiser with AL Pacino ~ First Annual Cinco-de-Mayo Event
by Tina Kiss
The Wright Foundation for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus’s first fundraiser took place on May 5, 2005. Board members Bob and Linda Gersh opened their beautiful Beverly Hills home for this memorable evening. Al Pacino, guest of honor for the event, graciously mingled and talked with over 50 friends, family, and colleagues of Dr. Wright’s. Mr. Pacino posed for pictures with guests and told stories of his life in the entertainment industry. Short tributes were given by retired pediatrician Dr. Herb Levin; Dr. Wright’s sister, Karen Cole; and Bob Kalhor, father of one of Dr. Wright’s patients. All related touching and meaningful stories regarding their association with the Wright Foundation.
Dr. Levin praised the Foundation’s efforts in providing all children with excellent eye care regardless of socioeconomic status. Karen Cole, who suffered with severe eye problems as a child, relayed her experience when, as a child, other kids made fun of her because she was “different.” It was her experiences that led Dr.
Wright to promise that he would do whatever he could to make sure other children didn’t suffer like she did. Throughout his career, these memories of her suffering provided, in part, the impetus to establishing the Wright Foundation so that kids with crossed eyes could get prompt, first-rate care. Finally, in a very moving story, Bob Kalhor related how he “found” Dr. Wright after his daughter Ava was diagnosed with cataracts at birth. Being impressed by his compassion and care for the welfare of all children, as well as his expertise in pediatric ophthalmology, Bob entrusted his precious daughter to Dr. Wright for cataract surgery.
Throughout the evening, guests related similar stories and spoke about their affiliation with Dr. Wright and the Foundation. Total strangers found something in common with each other – a bond of caring and empathy for their children and, in some cases, for themselves as the patient. This incredible evening raised over $93,000 for the Wright Foundation for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. We sincerely appreciate these generous contributions for this important project.
Mike Dyo Memorial Sporting Clays Fundraiser for Children’s Vision
By Craig Martin and the Mike Dyo Memorial Committee
Wow – what a great time we had in the foothills! Over 100 people attended the Mike Dyo Memorial Sporting Clays Fundraiser for Children’s Vision on Saturday August 6, 2005. Mike Dyo was a good friend and a strong supporter of the foundation. When Mike passed away this year, his friends, led by Craig and Diane Martin, organized a sporting Clays event as a tribute to Mike and to raise funds for children’s vision. Moore-n-Moore Sporting Clays in San Fernando was a wonderful venue with many challenging stations. Each shooter received a t-shirt, water bottle and a baseball cap as mementos of the shoot. Then it was out of the range to try the targets. An instructor was available at each station to help with the target and to coach the shooters. Since half our participants were shooting for the first time – we needed plenty of coaching! Everyone broke at least a few targets, a real thrill when it is your first try at sporting clays. Lunch was followed by a silent auction, where you could bid on everything from shooting instruction to fly fishing trips to double magnums of fine wine. There was something for everyone. After auction came the awards. There were dozens of trophies, both for experienced shooters and our beginners. Andrew, Dr. Wright’s son, won the junior category
and easily beat his father’s score. The grand finale was awarding the raffle prizes – one of three guns, the best of which was a beautiful Beretta Over/Under Shotgun donated by Tony Rotundo. Shooters and non-shooters alike had a great time, as it was truly a family event. Thanks to the efforts of the organizing committee, we were able to raise over $25,000 for the Foundation!
