The retreat is full, with 72 quilters registered, marking the event’s 15th anniversary. The fundraiser supports surgeries and treatments that restore vision for patients who have gone years without care.

Since 2012, organizers Ann Wendinger, Cindy Wendinger and Jackie Forst have hosted the fundraiser, which benefits the Foundation for Saving Sight and its medical work in San Lucas, Guatemala.

The connection between New Ulm and San Lucas began in 2009, when Ann Wendinger accompanied Dr. Christopher Wallyn to Guatemala to observe the foundation’s programs.

“I promised upon my return that in some small way I would strive to raise funds and continue to support their mission,” Ann Wendinger said.

Quilters gather at St. George Parish Center for the annual Sewing for Sight fundraiser in 2025, finding camaraderie while working on their projects. The event supports medical services in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. Submitted photo

The Foundation for Saving Sight, established in 1992 by Wallyn and Dr. Merck, provides annual trips to deliver eye care in communities. San Lucas is near Lake Atitlan, surrounded by Mayan villages and volcanic mountains.

The retreat initially aimed to raise $500 but has grown to generate more than $211,000 over 15 years. Funds have purchased surgical equipment, medications, inter-ocular lenses, and diagnostic tools, including a retinal laser and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) high-resolution imaging machine for the treatment of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.

“All of the money goes directly to patient care,” Ann Wendinger said.

The foundation works in partnership with the Hospital of San Lucas. Services initially focused on cataract surgery but now include glaucoma and diabetic eye treatment. In 2023, the foundation held its first “retinal laser brigade,” performing 20 treatments in one week. Funds from last year’s fundraiser were used to purchase an Ellex Solo laser, reducing the need for daily eye drops for glaucoma patients.

In one case, a patient who had been unable to see his wife for several years due to cataracts regained his vision after surgery and was reportedly moved when he saw her the following day.

Dr. Wallyn retired from the Regional Eye Center in Hutchinson at the end of 2025 but plans to spend January through March each year in San Lucas leading medical missions.

His daughter, Katie Wallyn Rodriguez, a missionary in San Lucas, established the LEAST program, which provides local education and community support for eye health. Her husband, Juan Pablo Rodriguez, a trained optometrist, works for the foundation in San Lucas. The family maintains a permanent medical and humanitarian presence in the community.

Jackie Forst said the event depends on volunteers as much as organizers. “This effort involves many people beyond the three of us,” she said. “It depends on everyone who participates and volunteers.”

This year, the fundraiser aims to raise $15,000 for a second surgical microscope to double weekly surgeries. The retreat hosts 72 quilters at St. George Parish Center, supported by the St. George Catholic United Financial Organization and Sewing Seeds Quilt Company.

The retreat represents a portion of the foundation’s overall fundraising efforts. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to support the foundation financially.

Donations go directly to the Foundation for Saving Sight, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions may be mailed to Ann Wendinger, 37848 631st Ave., New Ulm, Minnesota 56073.