TIGARD, Ore. — Paragon BioTeck, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals and therapies, recently sponsored the Pearl Buck Center’s “Light Up the Night” event in Eugene, Oregon.

The event, which took place December 14, 2012, brought together friends and family members of disabled individuals to interact and enrich each other’s lives. Paragon BioTeck has engaged in significant outreach efforts to enhance its connection with the surrounding community.

“We have been deeply impressed with the work of the Pearl Buck Center, and we were thrilled to participate in the ‘Light Up the Night’ event as the organizer and sponsor,” said Patrick Witham, president and CEO of Paragon. “This is an organization that is doing outstanding work in the Eugene area to benefit local families.”

Paragon BioTeck organized “Light Up the Night,” providing funding and staffing for the event. The company’s support of Pearl Buck Center is part of its goal to ramp up its philanthropic efforts as a way to thank the community for fostering the company’s continued success. As Paragon BioTeck grows, it will continue to dedicate more time and resources to local organizations that conduct important work in the community.

A nonprofit organization based in Oregon, Pearl Buck Center assists developmentally disabled individuals by helping them forge life skills that they can apply in the real world. The organization offers vocational training, life-enhancing activities and an early intervention pre-school program, among a wide range of other services.

“If there is a key message we can take away from the Pearl Buck Center, it’s that everybody can make a positive contribution,” said Witham. “This applies to people who may be developmentally disabled or face other challenges, and it certainly applies to local businesses. It’s just a matter of finding the best ways to help out, and then following through with real action.”

About Paragon BioTeck, Inc.

Paragon BioTeck, Inc., is a privately held ophthalmic-focused biopharmaceutical and medical device company pursuing the development and commercialization of products addressing unmet medical needs in the fight to protect and preserve eyesight.

To learn more about the Pearl Buck Center and how to get involved, go to pearlbuckcenter.com.