Local Fundraiser in Healdsburg Raises Over $50,000 to Combat Curable Blindness in Southeast Asia

The recent fundraising event in Healdsburg, California, has underscored the profound difference local communities can make in tackling global health issues. Spearheaded by Dr. Gary Barth, an ophthalmologist from Santa Rosa, the gathering celebrated his 25 years of volunteer work with the BBH Eye Foundation (BBH), a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating curable blindness in Southeast Asia. The event not only honored Dr. Barth's longstanding commitment but also successfully raised over $50,000 to further the foundation's noble cause.

Held at Craftwork Healdsburg on November 14, 2024, the fundraiser attracted 80 guests, whose generosity will directly support the establishment of Primary Eye Care Centers (PECCs) in Nepal. These centers are pivotal in creating sustainable eye care infrastructure in remote areas, offering essential services such as vision exams, glasses, and cataract surgeries at no cost. The event was marked by the remarkable contribution of three transformative $5,000 gifts, each designated to fund a PECC, highlighting the community's collective effort to make a tangible difference.

Since its inception in 2019, BBH Eye Foundation has facilitated over 200,000 free cataract surgeries across Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal. Dr. Barth's work goes beyond restoring sight; it revitalizes families by reinstating independence and dignity to those affected. The foundation's trust-based philanthropy model ensures the longevity of its impact by donating PECCs to local municipalities, thereby fostering community empowerment and sustainable development.

The Healdsburg fundraiser's success is a testament to the power of community action in addressing global challenges. The funds raised will not only aid in establishing new PECCs but also in procuring medical equipment and developing electronic medical records systems for rural eye care providers in Southeast Asia. Dr. Barth's dedication, as chronicled in his 'Cataract Chronicles', and his recognition with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, exemplify the profound impact of his and the foundation's work.

As BBH Eye Foundation aims to establish five new PECCs by 2025, the support from communities like Healdsburg is crucial. Each contribution brings us closer to a world where curable blindness no longer deprives individuals of their potential. The foundation's efforts not only restore vision but also hope, transforming lives and communities across Southeast Asia. This story is a powerful reminder of how localized support can lead to global health advancements, proving that every donation, no matter the size, can contribute to meaningful change.