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Northern Virginia Chapter Highlights
Celebrating Excellence
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Outstanding New Trustees Jody Kelly and Donna Burke Tehaan with Mrs. America 2011 April Lufriu at the VISIONS 2012 Awards Dinner. |
Donna Burke Tehaan and Jody Kelly were presented with the Foundation’s Member Excellence Outstanding New Trustee Award at the VISIONS 2012 national conference in Minneapolis in June. The honor recognizes their notable contributions and sustained commitment to the Foundation’s mission during the early years of trusteeship. Trustees since the spring of 2011, Donna and Jody have worked hand in hand to generate nearly $1 million for sight-saving research. They’ve chaired several successful fundraising events, including the Northern Virginia Dining in the Dark twice and VisionWalks in both Northern Virginia/DC and Montgomery County. They also travel to Dining in the Dark events around the country to support the Foundation’s mission.
The 3rd Annual Northern Virginia Dining in the Dark Visionary Awards Dinner was held on December 15, 2011, at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner. The evening honored two visionaries: Walt Havenstein, CEO of SAIC and Marty Irving, an original developer of Tysons Corner.
More than 200 guests enjoyed the evening that began with a reception of passed appetizers and wine. Once guests were seated, Tommy McFly of DC’s 94.7 FRESH FM, welcomed the guests. Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Chief Executive Officer, Bill Schmidt, was the keynote speaker. Visionary Awards were presented to the evening’s honorees before the room was darkened for the main course.
The event was a tremendous success, raising more than $350,000 for retinal disease research. Thank you to the sponsors, donors, and committee who made this event possible.
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