The Foundation Fighting Blindness is set to host its highly anticipated Night for Sight gala on May 14, 2026. This year's event will be held at Guastavino's in New York City, where it will convene industry leaders and advocates working diligently to advance treatments for blinding diseases. A major highlight of the evening will be the welcoming of Two Blind Brothers as the presenting sponsor. This grassroots organization, founded by brothers Bradford and Bryan Manning, has gained national recognition since its inception in 2016, primarily due to their engaging initiatives that revolve around raising awareness and funding for those affected by vision loss.
Both founders have personal ties to this cause, as they themselves were diagnosed with Stargardt disease. Their organization has cultivated a community of over 500,000 supporters and aims to educate the public about visual impairments through innovative media campaigns and experiential events. Noteworthy projects include the viral Shop Blind Challenge and collaborations with the French Paralympic team to design uniforms, alongside introducing the largest charity-branded optical eyewear line through their partnership with L'Amy America. Thanks to their efforts, Two Blind Brothers has contributed nearly $2 million to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, underscoring their ongoing commitment to the mission.
Bradford and Bryan Manning expressed their gratitude, saying, "We launched Two Blind Brothers at this very event 10 years ago. It has been a defining partnership since then. We're honored to support Night for Sight, recognizing the resiliency of researchers, families, and advocates championing progress within the low vision community."
At the gala, the Foundation will also honor three distinguished individuals with the Visionary Award: Joe Fantozzi, President and COO of Allegiance Retail Services; Cameron Taylor, Managing Director of Global Healthcare Investment Banking at BofA Securities; and Vision Source, the nation's leading network of private practice optometrists. These honorees have been recognized for their exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant philanthropic contributions to the community.
Night for Sight serves as a vital platform uniting various sectors such as fashion, finance, and culinary arts to support the Foundation's mission of bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and accessible treatments. As of 2026, there remain nearly 50 promising therapies in clinical trials, highlighting the continued urgency of this cause. This signature fundraising event enables corporate sponsors and community members to engage in a gourmet dinner, participate in a silent auction, and enjoy live entertainment—all while raising essential funds required for ongoing advancements.
"It is inspiring to see leaders from diverse backgrounds come together for a purpose as compelling as this," said Jason Menzo, CEO of Foundation Fighting Blindness. He continued, "Our gratitude extends to Two Blind Brothers, our award recipients, and their respective organizations for their unwavering dedication to expediting treatments for those suffering from visual impairments."
For individuals interested in supporting this cause, detailed information regarding tickets and sponsorships can be found on the Foundation’s website or directly through Sarah Greulich at [email protected] or via phone at 917-746-3664.
Event Overview:
- - Event: New York Night for Sight
- - Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
- - Time: 5:30 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Dinner Program
- - Location: Guastavino's, 409 East 59th Street, New York City
The Foundation Fighting Blindness, established in 1971, continues to be a pivotal player in curating therapies and potential cures for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and more. Over the years, they have raised over $954 million which translates into a myriad of research advancements. For further insights into their mission and work, visit FightingBlindness.org.
In addition, Two Blind Brothers remains committed to not just raising awareness about blindness, but actively creating accessible experiences such as Braille-focused clothing and funding crucial research efforts. More can be found at twoblindbrothers.com.