Blind Everest climber to speak

SNOWBIRD — Erik Weihenmayer joined an elite group when he reached the summit of Mount Everest in 2001: He became the only blind man in history to climb the world's highest peak.

Weihenmayer, a world-class adventurer, will speak during a fundraiser Saturday at Snowbird in the Cliff Lodge Ballroom.

"A Night for Sight" will raise funds for the Himalayan Cataract Project, an organization aimed at eliminating preventable blindness worldwide.

Dr. Geoff Tabin, an ophthalmologist at the University of Utah's Moran Eye Center, also will speak at the event. Tabin, who has climbed the tallest peaks on all seven continents, has helped restore sight to thousands through his work with the Himalayan Cataract Project.

Those climbing achievements are a "drop in the bucket compared to taking on worldwide blindness," says Jessica Feilmeier, a spokeswoman for the project. "It's totally doable, but it's going to a lot more people getting involved."

Cocktails and a silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and a live auction following at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available for $75 at www.snowbirdrc.org or by calling Amy Phillips at 801-933-2112.

— Aaron Falk