Wine & Dine to Keep Kids in Sight

torischladen
Oct 17
3 min read

Updated: Oct 27

An Evening of Vision, Connection, and Hope Il Pastaio Beverly Hills - October 4, 2025

On a beautiful October evening, supporters and friends of Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) gathered at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills for our 2025 Wine & Dine to Keep Kids in Sight event, an inspiring celebration of community, compassion, and the life-changing impact of vision care for children.

Left to right: Tori Schladen, Founder and Director of Special Projects, Diane Christian, Ph.D. Executive Director, and PPV Parents and Guest Speakers, Janniese and Joe Rios. — *Left to right:* *Tori Schladen, Founder and Director of Special Projects, Diane Christian, Ph.D. Executive Director, and* *PPV Parents and Guest Speakers,* *Janniese* *and Joe Rios.*

This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of Event Sponsor, Lisa Detanna and Raymond James, Global Wealth Solutions Group, whose leadership and compassion have long championed the work of PPV. Throughout the evening, guests savored exquisite courses paired with wines generously sponsored and presented by Michael McMillan, General Manager of Marciano Estate, whose expert pourings and thoughtful pairings elevated every dish.

*Left to right: Carole Waller, Jim Rishwain and Michael McMilllan from Marciano Estate*

Among the evening’s most powerful moments was the touching story shared by Janniese Rios, mother of 9-year-old Gabby. Janniese talked about crying for hours in her car when first receiving the diagnosis of her daughter's visual impairment until finally flipping over a referral card and seeing PPV's contact information on the back. She called immediately and spoke with Rosanna, our Lead Child & Family Vision Specialist. And from there, she felt understood and supported, guided and filled with hope for Gabby. Janniese also wanted donors to be reminded that while they may not may not be connected to PPV's daily efforts, Gabby's story is proof that their support truly matters.

Creating art isn't easy for him, but with the help of his mom Heather and an apple for inspiration, Jett found a way to bring his painting to life. Art is part of Jett's journey of learning and independence. His sweet apple print auction was won by Janice Goldhaber--Thank you, Janice, for your support!

The event included a "Stand for Kids" opportunity to contribute toward PPV's comprehensive services at donation levels from $10,000 to $100.

We also hosted a silent auction with unique experiences such as a Marciano Estate Wine Tasting Experience for six in St. Helena, a Catered Feast for the Senses at the Schladen cliffside home, and artwork by three-year old Jett, born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, a condition that limits his vision and depth perception.

Together, we reached and surpassed our fundraising goal of $100,000, ensuring that children with visual impairment continue to receive the specialized care, education, and support they need to thrive.

Drs. Arissa Young and Alex de Castro-Abeger, winners of the $100 opportunity drawing for a $500 gift card to Terranea Resort & Spa. Dr. de Castro is one of our Pediatric Ophthalmologist partner eye doctors.

The evening also featured the premiere of PPV’s new sizzle reel, created by PPV parent and skilled video editor David Parke. The new video showcases PPV’s growing impact, community partnerships, and the children whose lives are transformed each year through specialized eye exams, low vision devices, and ongoing family support.

WATCH NEW SIZZLE REEL HERE

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all donors and sponsors, including Event Sponsor Lisa Detanna and Raymond James, Global Wealth Solutions Group, Wine Sponsor Marciano Estate, and Port of Long Beach. Your generosity made this evening such a success!

Special appreciation to parents Janniese and Joe Rios for sharing their story so bravely, and to our dedicated staff, board of directors, and volunteers for their tireless efforts to keep children’s futures bright. Because of your support, hundreds of children like Gabby will continue to learn, grow, and live a life full of hope and possibility.

Join Us in Keeping Kids in Sight

If you couldn’t attend but would like to support our mission, visit partnersforpediatricvision.org/donate or become a monthly Hero for Sight donor.