GRF applauds donors

San Francisco-The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) “applauded those who give” at its annual benefit and celebration Jan. 26.

The theme of this year’s dinner, auction, and presentations was “Applauding Those Who Give,” and the benefit focused on recent results from GRF-funded research and the donors who made it possible.

“The annual benefit draws attention to the urgent need for research to cure glaucoma, a blinding disease affecting 70 million people worldwide, while paying tribute to all those who give in so many ways to help preserve vision,” said Thomas M. Brunner, the organization’s president and chief executive officer.

At the benefit, the GRF’s highest honor, the Catalyst Award, was presented to June Behrendt Otto, executive director of The Edward Joseph Daily Foundation. The award recognizes outstanding support for research and education to help those affected by glaucoma.

Also announced was the establishment of the Frank Stein and Paul S. May Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research-a $100,000 gift that will substantially expand the GRF’s research grants program.

In addition, principal investigators in the “Catalyst For a Cure ” (CFC) consortium funded by the GRF updated attendees on their latest research results. CFC research attempts to foster a greater understanding of glaucoma as a degenerative nerve disease.