We are excited to be gearing up for our 7th annual Hoe-down to benefit the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The Foundation has been ranked among the top 100 charities in the US, and is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases that lead to blindness, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular degeneration. These diseases affect millions of people, ranging from infants to the elderly.

As many of you know, this is a very personal crusade for the Davidson family, as Sharyn is losing her sight to RP and several other family members are affected, including her mom, who has been blind for approximately 15 years. We had hoped to have some news regarding a retinal implant which has the potential to restore some limited vision for Sharyn’s mother, but due to time consuming regulatory procedures, Delores will not receive the implant until sometime in 2007.

We are ecstatic to be on the brink of treatments and possible cures for some of these diseases. The progress is truly quite astounding, but there is much work to be done to bring years of research to clinical trials, which promise to result in sight saving and restorative treatments for so many.

We are deeply grateful to our numerous friends and patrons who have helped us raise over $600,000 in the past 6 years to further the Foundation’s cause. You have given hope to us and millions of others, and we hope you’ve had a good time in the process.

Please plan to join us this year as we once again have a great shin-dig for a tremendous cause. All donations are 100% tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and will be matched. So gussie up in your party duds, grab your friends and family and get ready to have a toe-tappin’ good time on Magnolia Farm.