On March 27, 2025, 200 supporters gathered to celebrate the families and children of Beyond Blindness. The evening featured a powerful performance by internationally renowned opera singer and author Laurie Rubin, who was born blind and performs with acclaimed ensembles worldwide. Special appearances by Beyond Blindness alumni Lily Gabora and Karl Seitz added the the night’s inspiration. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious 2025 Dr. Wilhelm de Nijs Vision Award to the Pacific Life Foundation in recognition of their two decades of transformative support for Beyond Blindness.

2026 Gala information will be available soon.

Honoree: Pacific Life Foundation

2025 recipient of our Founders Award, the Dr. Wilhelm de Nijs Vision Award

Together with Pacific Life, the Pacific Life Foundation has made philanthropic investments totaling $159 million to nonprofits over the past four decades. In addition, the Pacific Life Volunteers program generates thousands of hours of service to our communities every year.  In 2025, Pacific Life will make $9.5 million in charitable contributions, with a focus on investing in community impact-driven programs that provide confidence for current and future generations to thrive, including career and college readiness, food security, and ocean health initiatives. Our support of Beyond Blindness aligns with Pacific Life’s purpose of building confidence for generations and doing the right thing for our communities. A recent $100,000 capital grant in support of building a new playground at Beyond Blindness’ Santa Ana location will positively impact hundreds of children for generations. The Foundation consistently ranks as one of Orange County’s largest philanthropic funders every year, while earning national recognition from Points of Light’s Civic 50 as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

Gala Planning Committee

Co-Chairs:

Kristin McKay & Cary Wheeland 

Committee Members:

Irene Brown, Mychal Ferguson, Lisa Hill, Yvette Lavery, Teresa Madden, Gunjan Nanda, Victor Nwaba, Devon Pfeil, Nora Perez, Heather Ready, Carol Trapani, Mollie Tribe, Allison Williams

Thank you to our 2025 Vision Beyond Sight Sponsors:

CHAMPION SPONSORS

Starr Surgical

VISIONARY SPONSORS

CHANGEMAKER SPONSORS

The Dean Family

UPLIFTER SPONSORS

TABLE SPONSORS

Ashish Mehta, MD

Barbara Alvarado

Bob & Angie Rowe

Carol Trapani

Cary Wheeland

Gunjan Nanda

Max Trichet & Hemant Mistry

The Dean Family

The Steinmann Family

Thompson Family Foundation

Check Out Photos from this Year’s Gala!