The spirit of generosity and community filled the space on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as more than 100 friends and supporters of Eversight gathered at Epiphany Farms Estate for the annual Night for Sight celebration. Guests enjoyed an evening of connection, storytelling and impact, all centered around the power of donation and transplantation. Together, they raised $45,000 for the John Randolph Fund, a testament to the evening’s heartfelt reflections, moments of joy and gratitude, and the lives forever touched by the gift of sight.
This year’s program featured two remarkable speakers, each sharing a unique perspective on how sight-restoring donations change lives.
Honoring Catharine Crockett, MD
The event offered a special opportunity to recognize the career and retirement of Catharine Crockett, MD, ophthalmologist at VisionPoint Eye Center. Dr. Crockett has been a trusted partner to Eversight for three decades, serving on the Medical Advisory Committee as medical director and advancing the gift of sight through her surgical expertise in cornea and external diseases, iLASIK, ASA and cataract surgery.
Dr. Crockett was previously honored at Night for Sight in 2013 for her dedication to Eversight and the patients she serves. Her career has been defined not only by clinical excellence, but also by compassionate care.
Cornea transplant recipient Jackie Schmidt recalled how attentive and reassuring Dr. Crockett was during her care—an approach that has touched the lives of countless patients throughout her career.
Eversight expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Crockett’s years of leadership, partnership and friendship, and wished her the very best in retirement. Her legacy will continue to ripple through the patients, families and communities she has served.
Carrying forward Joy’s legacy: Mark Trieglaff
Mark Trieglaff brought a moving perspective to Night for Sight as a donor spouse and donor family advocate. In May 2022, Mark’s wife, Joy, passed away unexpectedly. True to her lifelong generosity, Joy had made the decision to be an organ and tissue donor.
Mark now honors her legacy by encouraging others to consider donation, register as donors and share their decision with loved ones. Through his advocacy, he ensures that every story of donation is remembered as a story of compassion, generosity and hope.
In addition to his work in the donation community, Mark is the founder and president of Accessibility Consultation and Training Services, Inc., where he brings more than 30 years of expertise in the disability field. He shared his family’s story and reminded the audience of the profound impact made possible by one person’s selfless choice.
A full circle story: Jackie Schmidt
Jackie Schmidt connected the event in a full circle moment.
Jackie is the recipient of two cornea transplants performed by Dr. Crockett with tissue prepared by Eversight. Diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy, Jackie’s sight was restored through the generosity of donors and the expertise of her care team.
Jackie’s involvement with Eversight has grown beyond her personal story. Since 2023, she has served on the Night for Sight event committee, playing an instrumental role in the success of the auction and inspiring others with her story. Her warmth, authenticity and determination make her a powerful advocate for the gift of sight.
Now retired after a career in IT at State Farm, Jackie enjoys traveling and spending time with her family—but she continues to give back, ensuring that others have the same opportunity she received: the chance to see the world more clearly.
Thank you to the sponsors
Night for Sight was made possible thanks to the generosity of its sponsors. Special appreciation goes to the Visionary Sponsors—Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and VisionPoint Eye Center—and the See the Difference Sponsor, Illinois Eye Center. Their partnership and support help Eversight continue restoring sight and changing lives.
Together, the speakers, guests and supporters created an evening that celebrated not only the impact of Eversight’s mission, but also the extraordinary people—donors, families, surgeons, recipients, advocates and partners—who make it all possible.
