Page 24 - The Indian EYE 100926
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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 09, 2026 | The Indian Eye 24
Eye Foundation of America marks 50 years
of service in Morgantown
OUR BUREAU ber musician. Through the Summit
Chamber Music Series, she has also
MORGANTOWN, WV
championed the role of world-class
he Eye Foundation of Amer- chamber music in enriching the
ica (EFA), an organisation cultural life of Morgantown and
Tdedicated to advancing its vi- North-Central West Virginia.
sion of “A World Without Childhood Her performance brought to-
Blindness,” brought together friends, gether music, emotion and human
supporters, distinguished guests and connection in a setting dedicated to
partners for an evening of service, service and philanthropy.
music and fellowship at Forks of The event also brought together
Cheat Winery in Morgantown. two respected supporters of the Eye
Foundation of America, Dr. Ranjit
The gathering was part of EFA’s Majumdar and Dr. S. Jagannadhan.
Their presence reflected the endur-
journey toward its Golden Jubi- ing network of friends and support-
lee, marking 50 years of service ers who have stood behind EFA and
its mission and was especially mean-
to children from 1977 to 2027. ingful as the Foundation looks to-
The milestone is rooted in the ward its Golden Jubilee year and the
next generation of its work.
belief that every child deserves EFA also expressed its apprecia-
the opportunity to see, learn, tion to Jerry and Susan Deal, owners
of Forks of Cheat Winery, for their
grow and live with dignity. generosity and longstanding friend-
ship with the Foundation.
The evening, held under the Year after year, the Deal fami-
theme “Honouring Vision. Celebrat- ly has extended warmth, hospitality
ing Impact. Inspiring Generations,” and support to EFA. Forks of Cheat
was not only a look back at the Foun- Winery, established by Jerry Deal
dation’s journey but also a recogni- in 1990, has become a longstanding
tion of the people and partnerships part of the Morgantown community.
that have helped transform its vision Its continued support of EFA reflects
into a continuing global movement. a relationship built over many years
A major highlight of the evening on friendship, trust and a shared
was the presentation of the Rob- commitment to giving back.
ert Murphy Visionary Leadership Since its beginnings in 1977, the
Award to Dr. Clay B. Marsh, M.D., Eye Foundation of America has pur-
Chancellor and Executive Dean for sued a vision centred on children,
Health Sciences at West Virginia proving lives. sight and human dignity. As it ap-
University. The Robert Murphy Visionary proaches its Golden Jubilee in 2027,
The award recognises exception- Leadership Award commemorates the Foundation is using the milestone
al leadership in medicine and the the legacy and values associated with to renew its commitment to building
health sciences, together with a com- Robert Murphy — compassion, ser- partnerships, expanding access to eye
mitment to education, innovation, vice, visionary thinking and a com- care, strengthening childhood eye-
service and human wellbeing. mitment to making a meaningful health programmes and mobilising
The citation presented by the difference in the lives of others. The a global community around the goal
Eye Foundation of America Board recognition of Dr. Marsh therefore of eliminating avoidable childhood
recognised Dr. Marsh’s leadership carried special significance for EFA blindness.
in healthcare, education, research as it looks toward the next chapter of The September 25 gathering cap-
and clinical care, as well as his com- its mission. tured that journey by bringing togeth-
mitment to transforming institutions The evening also featured music, er healthcare, philanthropy, music,
and improving lives. with Sunmi Chang, renowned violin- friendship and service in one setting.
The award was presented by Dr. ist and Founder and Artistic Director For EFA, the celebration was
V.K. Raju, Founder President of the of the Summit Chamber Music Se- about what has been achieved, but also
Eye Foundation of America, and Dr. ries, delivering a violin performance. about what remains possible as it car-
Leela V. Raju, President of the Eye ment described the honour as a rec- Chang, a laureate of major inter- ries forward the legacy of those who
Foundation of America & UK, on ognition of Dr. Marsh’s leadership, national violin competitions, has per- began the journey, the commitment
behalf of the EFA Board. healthcare innovation, education formed widely across North America of those serving today and the hope of
EFA’s recent public announce- and enduring contributions to im- and Europe as a soloist and cham- generations of children yet to come.
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