U.S. Representative Diane Black (R-TN) stepped out of her district and onto the dance floor on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the eighth annual Eye Ball.

The ball, which raised funds for the Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville and attracted a number of local representatives and personalities, including State Rep. Glen Casada, Channel 4 News Sports Director Rudy Kalis, Channel 5 Anchor Vicki Yates, and host, world renowned cataract and LASIK surgeon, Dr. Ming Wang.

Black, who served as the 2012 Event Chair, said she was honored to be a part of the event.

“I am proud to be involved in an organization that is changing the lives of people around the country and the world through free of charge sight restoration surgeries. As a nurse for 40 years, I have had the opportunity to travel on medical mission trips and see adults and children receive eye glasses for the first time,” she said.

“Whether it is through prescription eye glasses or surgery, giving someone in need the ability to see is a priceless gift that will open up a new world of possibilities. Through the generosity of the community and the help of volunteers, the Foundation is able to restore sight for more and more people in need.”

She served with Wang and Danceworld owner Danny Baye, to judge the inaugural Dancing with the Stars competition at the Eye Ball.

Five hundred guests watched as Casada, Kalis and Yates showed off their moves in the competition, before Baye and his wife, Sharlene, offered guests a basic ballroom dance lesson.

Since being established in 2004, the Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, has helped patients from over 40 states and 55 countries by providing sight restoration surgeries, free of charge. Foundation patient, Martha Adams, gave an emotional testimonial about how her life was changed after having surgery. Adams said that prior to learning about the Wang Foundation, she was nearly blind and the condition “just snowballed.”

“You all look so beautiful tonight. I can say that now, because I can see,” she said.

Staff Writer Sabrina Garrett may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .