Jane Seymour Named 2008 Visionary Award Winner
by Prevent Blindness America
Group to Celebrate Centennial Anniversary with Gala Event
CHICAGO – Prevent Blindness America, the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, has chosen world renowned actress Jane Seymour as the recipient of the 2008 Visionary Award. Seymour was selected for the honor because of her support of sight-saving programs and initiatives related to macular degeneration, a disease that affects millions of Americans.
Jane Seymour
Seymour has been personally affected by macular degeneration through her mother, Meike, who was diagnosed with the disease more than 20 years ago. By witnessing first-hand the affects of macular degeneration, Seymour was inspired to help others learn about the disease and the steps they can take to prevent vision loss.
“Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, I’m encouraged about the new advances being made to help curb the effects,” said Seymour. “Simply through early diagnosis and treatment, the severity of vision loss can be lessened.”
Seymour will accept her award at Prevent Blindness America’s Centennial Gala Celebration event, which marks 100 years of saving sight for the organization, the second oldest non-profit group in the country. The event will be held at the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City on January 10, 2008. Although Prevent Blindness America is currently based in Chicago, the group will hold its celebration in New York, the birthplace of the organization. Several CEOs of large Fortune 500 companies whose companies have provided generous support to Prevent Blindness America over the years will also be Centennial Circle Award honorees.
“In 1908, two New York ophthalmologists decided to make a difference and improve vision care for infants,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, such as Ms. Seymour, who continually donate their time and efforts to protecting vision, we’re embarking on our next century of saving sight.”
In addition to joining Prevent Blindness America, Seymour also works on a variety of philanthropic organizations including Childhelp USA, CityHearts and the Christopher Reeve Foundation.
Individual tickets may be purchased for $1,000 each. Tables for up to 10 persons are also available. Ticket prices include cocktails and entertainment, a full-course dinner, awards ceremony, Prevent Blindness America Centennial commemorative book, and an opportunity to bid on items from the silent auction.
For reservations or more information, please contact Colleen Robbins at 312-363-6023 or crobbins@preventblindness.org.
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020 or visit the fireworks eye safety section of our website.
