2025 Visionary Luncheon

RETINA FOUNDATION 2025 VISIONARY LUNCHEON SHATTERS FUNDRAISING GOAL, RAISING $1.26 MILLION FOR VISION-SAVING RESEARCH AND TREATMENT

Annual luncheon breaks fundraising records after attendees were inspired by stories of innovation and inspiration, including a conversation with Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and his mom

The Retina Foundation, an international medical destination for innovative clinical research and treatment to prevent vision loss and restore sight, surpassed its fundraising goal of $1.15 million and raised $1.26 million at its annual Visionary Luncheon at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.

Lee Ann and Alan White served as the luncheon’s honorary chairs. Event co-chairs Dan Hunt and Jay Rosser set the $1.15 million fundraising goal in recognition of Chief Executive and Medical Officer of the Retina Foundation Dr. Karl Csaky and his 15 years of dedicated service and leadership as the inaugural T. Boone Pickens Chair in Macular Degeneration.

“T. Boone Pickens left an indelible mark on Dallas healthcare. His foresight and generosity helped spark a legacy of innovation at institutions like the Retina Foundation, creating a ripple effect that is still changing lives today and will continue to do so for generations,” said Rosser, former Chief of Staff for the late T. Boone Pickens. Rosser announced a $100,000 matching gift from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation during the luncheon.

The Visionary Luncheon is the Retina Foundation’s signature fundraising event to support its mission to save and restore sight. The medical research institution pioneers innovative research and cutting-edge clinical trials to uncover new solutions for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited retinal degeneration and pediatric eye disorders. Thanks to the support of generous donors, the Retina Foundation is able to provide care for patients with life-altering eye diseases and disorders at no cost.

“We are celebrating what has become the medical destination for innovative research to combat retinal degeneration diseases and disorders. Today is about legacy, families and the future. We have an opportunity to propel Dallas further into the spotlight as an innovator in life sciences and support cutting-edge research that saves sight,” said Gina Miller, Vice President of Broadcasting, Communications and Media at FC Dallas and the event’s emcee.

Miller also hosted a conversation with two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet, best known for his work on the hit Emmy Award winning TV show Modern Family, and his mother, Jamey Stonestreet. They shared their family’s personal connection to AMD along with stories about acting and their endearing mother/son relationship, which brought the audience both to laughter and tears.

Several speakers shared stories of family, hope and inspiration throughout the event.

“My mom was a vibrant, strong woman. Watching her lose her vision and her independence was heartbreaking. Age-related macular degeneration runs in our family, and I’ve made it my personal mission to support the Retina Foundation so that other families don’t have to go through the same pain. We can and must change the course of this disease,” said Dan Hunt, who gave an additional $25,000 to the matching gift from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation. Guests rose to the occasion and met the $125,000 match during the luncheon.

Hunt also presented The Jasper L. and Jack Denton Wilson Charitable Foundation with the 2025 Hunt Family Visionary Award. Each year, the Retina Foundation presents the Hunt Family Visionary Award to an individual, family or organization who has helped to advance vision-saving research. The award was named to honor multiple generations of the Hunt Family for their unwavering support of the Foundation’s mission to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment.

Maggie Holley spoke about the experience of her four-year-old son Jack under Dr. Mark Pennesi’s care at the Retina Foundation. When Holley initially learned of her son’s diagnosis, she was told he would be blind by the age of 10. She couldn’t find any answers or hope until she found the Retina Foundation.

“Dr. Mark Pennesi co-authored a scientific paper about Jack’s gene mutation. He has studied patients just like Jack. After two years of searching, no other doctor had even heard of Jack’s condition. Now, we have hope backed by science, hope that Dr. Pennesi’s research could stop Jack’s vision loss or even restore any sight he may lose,” said Holley.

Dr. Karl Csaky presented several of the Retina Foundation’s innovative accomplishments and future plans to find solutions to the vision loss faced by patients with retinal degeneration.

“Over the past 15 years, since T. Boone Pickens’ transformative investment, the Retina Foundation has grown into a national leader in retinal research. We are making discoveries that not only advance our scientific understanding but are actively improving outcomes for patients. From preserving vision to restoring it, our work is fueled by the belief that our research will impact lives and generations to come,” said Dr. Csaky.

Sponsors for the Retina Foundation’s 2025 Visionary Luncheon include:

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Eric And Jamey

Jay Gina And Dan

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Visionary Luncheon May 2026
event information coming soon!