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New York, NY (February 10, 2012) — The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit focused on driving sight-saving research, will honor Ron Yeffet, president and CEO, GSR Concrete Tov, LLC; and Karen Holopigian, Ph.D., research professor, Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, with Visionary Awards at Building Toward a Cure. The event, happening Wednesday, March 7, at the Plaza Hotel, will raise critical research funds toward preventions, treatments and cures for vision-robbing retinal degenerative diseases like macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Usher syndrome, and other related conditions. “We’re thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of these visionaries who are passionate about the fight against blindness,” said William T. Schmidt, CEO, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “Their support in raising awareness and critical research funds gives hope to the more than 10 million Americans living with vision-robbing retinal diseases.” The Foundation will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the late Matthew P. Sapolin, who served as the first-ever commissioner for the Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities under the Bloomberg administration from 2006 until he passed away from cancer on November 2011. Blind from juvenile cancer of the eye, Sapolin’s advocacy for New York City’s disabled led to a new mentorship program, and pushed for more accommodating buildings, taxis and sidewalks around the city. His wife Candra and their two children, Trevor and Toscany, will accept Sapolin’s Lifetime Achievement Award on March 7. Building Toward a Cure Dinner Chairs and Foundation Fighting Blindness National Trustees Iris and Rueven Spiegel became involved because their daughter Tali is affected with RP, a retinal disease characterized by night blindness and a progressive loss of peripheral vision. Foundation-funded researchers in Israel have identified the gene responsible for Tali’s vision loss, which opens the door for potential gene therapy and other treatments. Mr. Spiegel, president and CEO of Israel Discount Bank, was honored with the Foundation’s Visionary Award in 2010. Also chairing Building Toward a Cure is Foundation Fighting Blindness Board Director and Paul Hastings Senior Council of Corporate Development Daniel G. Bergstein, who has three generations of family members affected with RP. The Visionary Award will be presented to Ron Yeffet, a leader in New York’s construction industry who has owned or managed the development of more than 32 projects over the last 15 years. Born in Israel and the son of diplomats, Yeffet has also been recognized by Jewish organizations for his work in the community. Also being honored is Dr. Karen Holopigian, whose research into electrophysiological analysis of retinal disease has greatly contributed to the field. She was also part of the team involved in Neurotech’s multicenter Phase II clinical trial using Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration and early and late stage RP. What: Building Toward a Cure, Benefitting the Foundation Fighting Blindness Where: When: Individual tickets are available for $1,000 each and sponsorship packages begin at $5,000. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Events Manager Jennie Wexler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (212) 244-1470. To RSVP as a member of the media or to coordinate an interview with an event spokesperson, contact Allie Gebhardt at 410-423-0643 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
