November 22, 2011…The Clarkson Eyecare Foundation held its eighth annual Bright Future Gala on Saturday, November 12, 2011. With everyone’s generous support, The Clarkson Eyecare Foundation was able to raise over $100,000. The gala supports the programs of the foundation, including the Mobile Vision Unit, Clarkson Eyecare Free Vision Clinics at Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club Sportsman’s Park and Adams Park, InfantSEE, EyeGeneration, mission trips to the Dominican Republic in conjunction with the Pujols Family Foundation, Vision USA, Season for Sight and LASIK for the physically challenged. Within the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation we want to help people see better and live fuller lives.
The Bright Future Gala took place at the Kemp Auto Museum in Chesterfield Valley. A reception and silent auction started off the night at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, a live auction and dancing. Ronald McDonald stopped by for a special visit.
Dr. Michael D. Rohde of Clarkson Eyecare was presented with the 2011 Outstanding Service Award for his work with helping on the mission trips to the Dominican Republic in partnership with the Pujols Family Foundation. Matt Iovaldi of Midland Optical received the Craig Doiron Visionary Award for his continuous support of the foundation’s mission and assisting many opportunities for the foundation.
"The Clarkson Eyecare Foundation Bright Future Gala was a huge success raising much more than the previous year. The guests enjoyed a wonderful event with many great silent and live auction items. The benevolence of this community is amazing and the Clarkson Foundation would like to thank everyone who donated to our mission of enhancing quality of life by providing vision improvement," said Tesha Peel, foundation director and event organizer.
Generous sponsors for the event- Sand Dollar- Marchon, Midland Optical & Signature Eyewear
Platinum-Carrollton Bank, Cooper Vision, Ophthalmology Consultants & Signet Armorlite, Inc.
Gold-Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Jehling & Luxottica Table-Altair Eyewear, Bill Jehling, Maui Jim, Modern Optical, Tesha Peel, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St Louis, Inc. & St Louis Town Planner Host Dr. Henry Allhoff, Charter Media, Global Optique, Inc., Harrah’s, Insight Equity A.P.X, LP, Dr. Michael Isserman, Safilo USA, Taylor Packaging & Wisconsin Vision.
Clarkson Eyecare established the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation in 2004 in an effort to continue and expand on community outreach programs already in place. The Clarkson Eyecare Foundation is a nonprofit eye health organization dedicated to a mission of “enhancing quality of life by providing vision improvement and access to a bright future.” The foundation is committed to improving access to vision care through eye care services. It exists to provide eye health services to underprivileged and specific-need individuals.
Continued support for the foundation is needed throughout the year. Individuals interested in supporting the mission of The Clarkson Eyecare Foundation and giving people access to a bright future may send their donation, payable to the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation, to 217 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011, or may call 636-227-2600.
