Rockin’ For New Eyes on St. Patty’s Day 2018
On March 17, 2018, attendees packed the Hard Rock Café at the center of Times Square in New York City for the New Eyes for the Needy annual fundraiser, Rockin’ For New Eyes. This was a record breaking year for donations and ticket sales bringing in $217,360 for the non-profit organization.
Bob Stein, Chief Philanthropic and Managed Care Development Officer for National Vision and his band, The Bass Curve Band, was one of five bands participating in the St. Patrick’s Day themed concert. He says, “John Alofs (ROI Eyewear Founder & New Eyes For The Needy Board Member), and I co-produce the show with tremendous fund raising efforts led by Denise Mogil from Costco. At the end of the day, this is a joyful celebration by our industry to both recognize the true need of the optically underserved, and to raise money to address that issue.”
National Vision has sponsored this event for many years now, and for the last four years as the lead sponsor, has had a big presence. Kristen Reynolds, Manager of Philanthropic Programs, worked with the organizers of International Vision Expo East to offer optometry students the opportunity to attend the fundraiser free of charge, as guests of National Vision.
“It is important for everyone in the industry to come together to support the efforts of organizations like New Eyes for the Needy who help those in need get access to quality eye care and eyewear that might not have access otherwise” said Kristen. “Students have many pressures, including stretched finances, so National Vision is happy to be able offer them the opportunity to join the industry in supporting this great organization.”
About New Eyes for the Needy
Since 1932, New Eyes for the Needy has provided clear vision to over 8 million people in the United States and throughout the world. A 501 (c)(3) organization, New Eyes For The Needy was founded to improve the vision of the poor. They purchase new prescription eyeglasses through a voucher program for children and adults in the United States who cannot afford glasses on their own. 100% of individual donations buy eyeglasses.
National Vision recognizes that the need for eye care and eyewear is a critical national and global health issue, and focus their philanthropy efforts in the optical sector, where they are uniquely qualified to make the greatest difference.
Safaa Sammander
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