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San Diego, CA (May 4, 2012) — The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national non-profit organization focused on sight-saving research, will host its first-ever Appeal to Your Senses dinner on Thursday, June 21, to raise critical research funds for retinal degenerative diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans, young and old. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, attendees will enjoy an evening of music, tactile art, food and comedy, with featured presenters who although visually impaired, prove that losing one’s sight does not need to deter from achieving one’s goals and dreams. Serving as master of ceremonies is L.A.-based comedian and actor Jon Wellner, who is affected with the progressive retinal eye disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Best known for his role as toxicologist and DNA specialist Henry Andrews in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Wellner was diagnosed with RP over 10 years ago and has dealt with the condition and its impact through humor, even including it in his hilarious stand-up routine. Guests will also be entertained by local radio personality Ted “T” Herring, host of Jazz 88.3 FM’s “Every Shade of Blue” program—the longest running blues radio show west of the Mississippi. Now 62, Herring was born with RP and has been legally blind since 1990. Also addressing the crowd will be champion American athlete and singer-songwriter Lex Gillette, of Chula Vista, CA, who has been totally blind since age 8 due to retina detachments. Despite the challenges of vision loss, the track and field superstar has set a world record in the long jump, won two Paralympic silver medals, achieved eight American records and taken home 12 national championships. He looks forward to representing the United States at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, with his sight fixed firmly on gold. Blinded at age 3, artist Ahmet Ustunel will display his clay pottery creations, and guests are encouraged to touch and experience the art. Early in his studies, Ustunel discovered his passion of creating masterpieces with his hands, and he wows art lovers at Grove Gallery at UC San Diego. “These talented presenters will surely inspire and awaken guests’ senses as we come together to fight blindness,” said Dinner Committee Member and San Diego Chapter Leader Patricia Murnighan, of Coronado, CA, who is motivated to drive research because her daughter is affected with RP. “There has never been a time of more hope for the millions affected with blinding diseases, and exciting progress in gene therapy and stem cell clinical trials that have improved patients’ vision shows that a cure is in sight.”
Pre-sale tickets are available for $150 each or $250 per couple. Week-of-event tickets will cost $250 each or $350 per couple. Sponsorship packages begin at $3,000. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Events Manager Cheyanne Sauter at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (310) 450-2910. To request media credentials or 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 . About Foundation Fighting Blindness The Foundation Fighting Blindness is a national non-profit organization driving research that will lead to preventions, treatments and cures for retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans. In its 40-year history, the Foundation has raised more than $450 million as the leading non-governmental funder of retinal research. Breakthrough Foundation-funded studies using gene therapy have restored significant vision in children and young adults who were previously blind, paving the way for using this method to treat a variety of retinal degenerative diseases, and proving a cure is in sight. With a network of 50 chapters, the Foundation also provides support and resources to affected individuals and their families in communities across the country. |
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