Lighthouse Guild Celebrates 19th Annual Palm Beach Visionary Evening

Record Support Advances Mission Serving People Who Are Blind or Have Vision Loss

Palm Beach, Florida — With a legacy spanning over a century, Lighthouse Guild, a blind-led nonprofit helping people who are blind or have vision loss lead independent lives, gathered nearly 170 supporters and friends for its 19th Annual Palm Beach Visionary Evening at Club Colette on February 23, 2026.

The gala evening honored Gigi and Harry Benson and Michele and Howard Kessler for their enduring commitment, philanthropic leadership, and generosity in helping to advance Lighthouse Guild’s mission.

Marc Rosen, Founder of the Palm Beach Friends of Lighthouse Guild, welcomed guests and reflected on the evening’s significance as the event approaches its second decade in Palm Beach. He recognized many past honorees in attendance, noting their steadfast involvement has helped shape the organization’s growth and impact over the years.,

Rosen also acknowledged the evening’s Chairs and Lighthouse Guild International Ambassadors-at-Large James Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, thanking them for their unwavering support and for hosting the kickoff at Findlay Galleries.

“We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many friends who have stood by Lighthouse Guild’s work through the years,” Rosen said, adding that the evening celebrated that history and welcomed new leadership guiding the organization’s future.

Rosen introduced Lighthouse Guild’s President and CEO Thomas Panek, appointed in 2025 as the organization’s first chief executive with vision loss – a milestone that reflects Lighthouse Guild’s commitment to leadership shaped by lived experience.

Panek shared his personal journey of losing his vision as a child and the fear and uncertainty that accompanied it, explaining that those early challenges now inform his mission-driven leadership.

“When vision loss enters your life, it affects everything — how you move through the world, how you learn, how you see yourself,” Panek said. “Vision loss is a journey, not a destination, and no one should have to walk that journey alone.”

He emphasized Lighthouse Guild’s holistic approach, which combines healthcare, mental health support, as well as building independence and technology skills to help individuals live full and meaningful lives.

Panek highlighted the organization’s youth programs, which help children and teens build confidence and independence. He shared the story of a 16-year-old girl who started the program shy and uncertain but found her voice through creative expression.

Encouraged to “paint what you feel” in an art class, she created an artwork reflecting resilience and belonging. The piece was later exhibited publicly, and today she is preparing for summer employment while continuing to develop skills for adulthood.

“This is what happens when young people are given the tools and belief that they belong,” Panek said. “We are helping them discover their talents, their independence, and their future.”

Rosen then presented the evening’s awards to the honorees. World-renowned photographer Harry Benson, CBE, whose iconic images have chronicled world leaders and historic moments, from the Beatles to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was recognized alongside Gigi Benson, his creative partner and collaborator.

Michele and Howard Kessler were honored for decades of philanthropic leadership through the Kessler Family Foundation, supporting countless initiatives in education, healthcare, research, and human services, including programs that help seniors live longer, healthier lives.

In a tribute shared during the program, longtime friends and prior honorees Patrick and Milly Park praised the Kesslers’ compassion and dedication to helping others, and marked the occasion with a $100,000 gift through the Park Foundation in their honor.

After the awards, Rosen introduced Thomas Quick, “a man who needs no introduction” to conduct the live auction. The evening ended with music from the Alex Donner Orchestra, which entertained throughout the evening. With record-setting support, the evening became the most successful Palm Beach Visionary Dinner in the event’s 19-year history.

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About Lighthouse Guild
Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are blind or visually impaired to reach their goals. Through vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, mental health services, and innovative programming, Lighthouse Guild works to break barriers and enhance lives. For more information, visit lighthouseguild.org.