The Vision of Children Foundation’s “Sip to See, Springtime Tea”

RAISES $140,000 TO FIND CURES FOR GENETIC VISION DISORDERS 

In the News

Rancho Santa Fe Review | "Stroll Fairbanks Ranch" Magazine (page 17)

LA JOLLA, May 13, 2024 --The Vision of Children Foundation hosted its Annual “Sip to See, Springtime Tea” on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at a private club in La Jolla.  Event Co-Chairs Kristi Pieper, Donna Vance, and Vivian Hardage, along with VOC’s outstanding Advisory Board, hosted this year’s event, which raised over $140,000. The fun midday event welcomed over 180 guests who enjoyed a full tea service, a curated silent auction, opportunity drawing, and boutique shopping. The event also featured special presentations by Juliann Ford of Manners Prep and an inspiring testimony from Vision Hero Matthew Keolanui.

Matthew Keolanui is a courageous young person who lives with the challenges posed by the diagnosis that he received at nine years old of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Matthew's story underscores the importance of ongoing research supported by The Vision of Children Foundation, offering hope and inspiration to all living with visual impairment.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of those who attended the event to help make our vision of curing genetic vision disorders a reality,” said Vision of Children Co-founders Sam and Vivian Hardage.

Proceeds from the "Sip to See Springtime Tea" will advance VOC's groundbreaking research initiatives, bringing us closer to our mission of finding cures for genetic vision disorders and transforming lives by restoring vision loss.

About Vision of Children:

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.

If you were unable to attend and would like to donate, please click the button below!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsors

Charles and Zarah Meyer | Ray and Donna Vance | Christy Walton Dr. Steve & Lynne Wheeler

High Tea Sponsors

Marian Benassi | Judy Cater | Tamara Lafarga-Joseph | Kirstjen Nielsen | Kristi Pieper | Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas

Champagne & Wine Sponsors

Lynda Kerr | Sarah and Marc Zeitlin

Underwriters and donors

Nancy Burney | Aimee Fuller Hats Judy Oliphant

Boutique Vendors