Since 2009, the Eversight Shared Vision Awards have recognized individuals, groups and organizations for extraordinary support of Eversight’s mission to restore sight and prevent blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research. Award recipients are selected based on their impact in the following areas:
- Engaging in multiple programs to raise awareness about the gift of sight, and increase the number of registered eye, organ and tissue donors
- Engaging new community partners and advocates
- Raising philanthropic support
- Significantly advancing Eversight’s mission in the healthcare and allied workplaces involved with the donation process, including hospitals, hospice agencies, medical examiners’ offices and funeral homes
Eversight awarded four people and organizations across Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio with the 2025 Shared Vision Award.
Meet the 2025 Shared Vision Award recipients
The Wheaton Lions Club, founded in 1923, has been a steadfast advocate for vision health and community service in Illinois. The Club is extremely proud of its over 100 years of service as well as the dedication, involvement and generosity of its 94 members. As a 2025 recipient of the Eversight Shared Vision Award, the Club is recognized for its exceptional commitment to restoring sight and preventing blindness.
Through initiatives like Candy Day fundraisers and annual golf outings, the Wheaton Lions have raised substantial philanthropic support for vision-related causes. Their long-standing partnership with Eversight exemplifies their dedication to community engagement and support for individuals with visual impairments. This award honors their enduring efforts to promote eye health and their significant impact on the lives of those affected by vision loss.
Terry Walters is a donor spouse, dedicated Lion, and former Eversight Michigan Advisory Board member, who has been a longtime supporter and champion for Eversight’s work, particularly through his support of the annual Michigan Donor Family Gathering event honoring the year’s past donors and their families.
“Seeing the impact on an individual and family when their vision is restored is an emotional experience that you never forget,” Terry said. “We [Terry and his wife, Becky] believe in their mission and have learned so much from Eversight since my late wife was an organ donor.”
His continued advocacy as a Lion and donor family member ensures that others are inspired to give the gift of sight and support the healing journey of transplant recipients.
Jack Romano has been a passionate advocate for Eversight’s mission since his time as Lions District 16-N Governor in 2015–2016. During his years of service—first as a Lion, now as a valued member of the Eversight New Jersey Advisory Board—Jack has witnessed the life-changing impact of eye donation and the critical role of philanthropy in making it possible.
A steadfast champion of Eversight’s work, his leadership and dedication to Eversight’s mission inspire others to ensure the legacy of sight restoration continues for years to come.
As the former chair of the Lions District 16-N Vision Screening Team, Jack knows the value of ensuring children and adults have the proper eye care to prevent and mitigate ocular diseases. This philosophy fits directly with Eversight’s mission of restoring sight and preventing blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research.
The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation focuses on supporting initiatives in Cleveland and northeast Ohio but also honor requests from institutions that members of their family are passionate about near where they live.
The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation has supported Eversight’s mission by awarding an $80,000 grant to support three critical research studies at the Eversight Center for Vision and Eye Banking Research in Cleveland.
Honoring 2025 awardees
Eversight announced the 2025 Shared Vision Award recipients during the Golf for Good! Eversight Vision Classic virtual award ceremony. This event raised more than $26,000 in charitable support for sight-saving transplants and vision research.
Visit eversightvision.org/give to join the 2025 Shared Vision Awardees in supporting our life-changing mission.
