Retina Foundation Hosts 2026 Visionary Luncheon on May 14, 
Celebrating 50 Years of Impact & the Future of Impact Investing

DALLAS – May 6, 2026 – The Retina Foundation, a global medical destination to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment, will host its signature annual fundraising event, the Visionary Luncheon, on Thursday, May 14 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Dr. Karl Csaky, Chief Strategy Officer for the Retina Foundation, is the chair of this year’s event with Dr. William L. Hutton, co-founder of the Retina Foundation, serving as the honorary chair. Mason Brown launched a $100,000 challenge gift, the 100 Grand Challenge, igniting the fire to meet the goal to raise $1.3 million. Judy and Harold Kaye, Helen and Bob McGraw, and Lyda Hill have committed $100,000 toward this transformational impact investment.

All proceeds from the Visionary Luncheon support the Retina Foundation’s groundbreaking research in three key areas, age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal diseases and pediatric eye conditions, to ensure that patients are never charged for care now and in the future. Sponsorships are still available and donations are welcome.

“We are grateful to our generous donors who have stepped up to initiate the impact investment challenge for the Visionary Luncheon,” Dr. Csaky said. “This year’s event will be particularly special as we celebrate 50 years of success, reflecting on our advancements in diagnostics for detection and treatments in preventing vision loss for blinding diseases. We will share what the future will look like without vision loss as donors continue to invest in our leading, cutting-edge research right here in North Texas.”

Along with a tribute to 50 years of innovation, the Retina Foundation will unveil bold, future-forward plans during the luncheon, and share powerful insights from a Business Impact Panel moderated by J.R. Thomas with Jay Rosser and Doug Hawthorne, focused on the business of medical research and its impact on North Texas.

The Retina Foundation will present the Hunt Family Visionary Award, named in honor of the Hunt family for their unwavering support of the Foundation’s mission to save sight. The award is presented annually to an individual, family or organization that has been instrumental in moving the needle in advancing vision-saving research for future generations.

This year, Delta Gamma will receive the award for its ongoing support of the Retina Foundation through the organization’s Service for Sight program, the sorority’s national philanthropy.

A valued partner of the Retina Foundation for more than 26 years, Delta Gamma has supported critical advancements, including funding for the Crystal Charity Ball Pediatric Vision Laboratory and the Macular Function Laboratory. The Retina Foundation recently received one of Delta Gamma’s largest 2026 Impact Grants awarded to support the expansion of the Pediatric Inherited Retinal Degenerations Center—growing care from 400 Dallas County children to 3,000 patients nationwide.

Supporters for the Visionary Luncheon (as of May 1) include:

LEAD DONORS

Mason Brown

Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Judy & Harold Kaye

Helen & Robert G. McGraw

DONORS

James Dye

Rosmarie Ewton

J.R. Thomas Family Foundation

Frank and Fletcher

Ellen & Paul Flowers

Martha & Doug Hawthorne

Bobby B. Lyle

Vivian & Richard Schaar

Sue Tomlin

Trisha Wilson Foundation

Orren Pickell

SPONSORS

Accelerator Sponsor

Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Judy & Harold Kaye

Inventor Sponsors
Jill & Grant Henderson

Innovator Sponsors

Margo Perot

Transformer Sponsor
Helen & Robert G. McGraw

Patron Party Sponsor
Doug & Laurie Dotter

Jennifer & Bill Voss

VIP Reception Sponsor
Sue & William Hutton
Susanna & James Merritt

Explorer Sponsors

Eva & Karl Csaky

Donna & Lou Grabowsky
Richard Massman

Nancy & Herbert Hunt Family Foundation

Oncor

Supporters
Diane Boddy
Sandy & David Callanan

Amy Johnson

Angela & Mark Klein

Tricia Loe

Northern Trust

Monica & Jay Rosser

Rand Spencer

Texas Retina Associates
Tia & Antonio Tomlin 

For more information on Visionary Luncheon sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please visit retinafoundation.murabid.com.

ABOUT THE RETINA FOUNDATION
The Retina Foundation is the global medical destination for innovative research and treatment to save and preserve vision. The uniquely nimble, innovative and patient-focused model of the Retina Foundation yields solutions that reach patients in less time. A global leader in advanced medical research for retinal diseases and disorders, the Retina Foundation never charges patients. Focused on age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal diseases and pediatric disorders, the Retina Foundation leads more than 60 clinical research studies that include gene therapy, gene editing and stem cell research. Learn more at retinafoundation.org.

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