Frances Holmes Todman (néeBurson; July 25, 1926 – January 23, 2008) was an American philanthropist who raised and donated money for numerous educational, charitable, and health organizations. She was affiliated with theRetina Foundation for over 20 years.
Frances Holmes Burson was born on July 25, 1926, inJackson County, Georgia, to Fanette Lee "Fannie" (née Wood) and Lucius Holmes Burson.[1][2][3][4] Her parents separated shortly after her birth, divorcing in 1932,[3][5][6] and Burson grew up in the home of her maternal grandparents, Lutie Pearl (née Simmons, Wood) and William S. Thrasher.[7][8]
Todman began her involvement in charitable work when her husband developed a heart condition in the 1970s and she needed a break from tending to him.[10] He died in 1979, aged 62.[1] That same year, she became the chair of theRetina Foundation's annual fundraising gala.[10] Over the years, she served as general chairman, co-chairman, and committee member of the gala.[11] As a member of the board of trustees, she led the entertainment fundraiser for theAmerican Cancer Society's Palm Beach Benefit in 1982.[12]
Todman was involved in numerous charitable activities for theBoys Club of America, the Royal Poinciana Children's Theater, and the Eye Research Institute, among others.[13] In 1984, she donated $1 million (equivalent to $3,026,586 in 2024) toNew York University Tisch School of the Arts to establish the William S. and Frances B. Todman Film and Television Center.[14] In 1986, theSchepens Eye Research Institute ofBoston named its electrophysiology laboratory in her honor.[11] She remained active in charitable work with the Retina Foundation and theAmerican Heart Association through 2000.[15][16][17]
"1930 U.S. Census, Orlando, Orange County, Florida".FamilySearch. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. April 17, 1930. p. 6A. NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 326, lines 19–21. RetrievedDecember 22, 2020.(subscription required)
"1930 U.S. Census, Statham, Barrow County, Georgia".FamilySearch. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. April 4, 1930. p. 3B. NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 337, lines 79–81. RetrievedDecember 22, 2020.(subscription required)
"1940 U.S. Census, Orlando, Orange County, Florida".FamilySearch. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. April 15, 1940. p. 17B-18A. NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 326, lines 79–80 and 1–2. RetrievedDecember 22, 2020.(subscription required)
