The Vision of Children Foundation’s Andrea Bocelli

RAISES FUNDS TO FIND CURES FOR GENETIC VISION DISORDERS

June 21, 2018 | San Diego, CA

In the News

Read about us in the Rancho Santa Fe Review | Photos courtesy of Vincent Andrunas

About the Event

On Thursday June 21, 2018, the Vision of Children Foundation was honored to host a private event for its supporters at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego. World-renowned singer Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s greatest classical artists, was the entertainment for the evening, and graced his audience of 10,000 individuals with his amazing voice. Those who attended the event enjoyed our luxurious “Club 20/20,” a pre-concert reception, complete with appetizers, live music, and a drink selection featuring Bocelli prosecco from the Bocelli family vineyards in Tuscany. Guests were greeted by event sponsor, Tiffany and Co. gift bags, which set the theme for the remainder of the evening. The tent included glamorous accents of pearls and gems and sparking chandeliers, along with decor highlighting anything and everything Tiffany. 

 As part of our event program, a limited number of our guests had the opportunity  to purchase  tickets to attend an intimate pre-concert rehearsal with Andrea Bocelli. VIP guests included some of our most generous sponsors, and they enjoyed an unforgettable musical experience.

Among our guests were speaker Jeremy Poincenot and musician Fred Benedetti, both of whom captivated and impressed our attendees. Jeremy Poincenot is an inspirational speaker and coach who lost his sight at the age of 19 after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. His speech included an inspirational personal story about living with blindness and overcoming the hardships associated with the condition. He has since followed his life passion, and has won  the World Blind Golf Championship three times in recent years. He is truly a leader in the visually impaired community and embodies the Vision of Children Foundation’s values.  

One of our generous sponsors, Tiffany and Co., donated a stunning 18k gold T Smile pendant that was the star of an opportunity drawing. All proceeds from the sale of tickets for the necklace went towards the Vision of Children Foundation, and we would like to congratulate our winner, Linda Blankenship, who received the beautiful necklace. 

As our event came to a close, our guests made their way to the concert hall to experience a performance that touched their hearts and souls. Andrea Bocelli put on an amazing show that we won’t soon forget. 

We would like to thank our generous sponsors American Specialty Health, RD Olson Construction, Christy Walton, Bank of Hope, The Nemeth Foundation, Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation, The Pala Band of Mission Indians, Cal Private Bank, and Tiffany & Co for helping make our event possible. 

About The Vision of Children Foundation

Rancho Santa Fe residents Sam and Vivian Hardage established Vision of Children in 1991 after their son, Chase, was born with Ocular Albinism. At the time, no researchers were studying this rare genetic vision disorder, for which no treatments or cures exist. The Hardages were determined to encourage scientific research to find a cure for this congenital condition. Today, as it celebrates over 30 years of research, Vision of Children is the foremost organization in the world supporting research for Ocular Albinism and related vision disorders with projects currently underway at The Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health.

Thank you to our sponsors!