Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Georgia’s Own Credit Union partnered with Vision To Learn, a non-profit organization that provides free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to students in public school systems around the country, to host a special celebration at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School in Clayton County.
In honor of National Reading Month, nearly 90 students received brand-new eyeglasses along with a book of their choice. Hawks player Mouhamed Gueye alongside multi-talented comedian, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Pretty Vee, joined dedicated volunteers from the three organizations, to distribute eyeglasses and interact with students.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Georgia’s Own Credit Union and Vision To Learn during National Reading Month to support young learners by providing essential tools that empower the next generation to succeed,” said Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Executive Director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation David Lee. “Every child deserves the chance to see their full potential, and together with our partners, we’re helping give kids the resources they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”
As part of the event, each student was recognized in a graduation-style ceremony, where they walked across the stage to receive their prescription eyeglasses. In addition to receiving their new glasses, each student had the chance to select a book from the free book fair to help build their personal library and encourage a love for reading.
“Our foundation is extremely passionate about supporting children in our community, and the work Vision To Learn does to ensure kids of all backgrounds have access to reading glasses is inspiring,” said Georgia’s Own Credit Union President & CEO Dave Preter. “We are so proud to join the Hawks in this important partnership and look forward to continuing this critical work in the future.”
Parents of attending students also received a complimentary copy of Pretty Vee’s guided journal ‘The Pretty Victory: 100-Day Guide to Recenter Yourself and Find Your Purpose.’
With DJ Mo Hawk setting the tone, students captured special moments at a photo booth with members of Hawks Entertainment, including Harry the Hawk, ATL Hawks Dancers, and Flight Crew. State Farm Arena’s Chief Culinary Officer Chef G. Garvin added a flavorful touch by preparing curated meals for all students.
In June 2024, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff highlighted Vision To Learn’s impact in supporting the academic success of students by securing $400,000 in federal funding to help the organization expand its services to more children in need.
“For more than eight years, Vision To Learn has partnered with the Atlanta Hawks Foundation to provide Metro Atlanta children with vision screenings, eye exams and glasses, at no cost to students or their families,” said Vision To Learn’s President and CEO, Ann Hollister. “Clear vision makes a huge difference for kids learning to read, but far too many children go without vision care at this critical time. With the help of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Georgia’s Own Credit Union, thousands more of our community kids will be able to see the board, read a book, and participate fully in class.”
Every day, thousands of children in metro Atlanta attend school without the glasses they need to see clearly, hindering their ability to learn and engage in the classroom, an issue often stemming from limited access to vision care services in low-income communities. Since 2017, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation has partnered with Vision To Learn to serve schools in metro Atlanta, providing students with over 48,000 free eye exams and more than 39,000 eyeglasses to support their health and education. Vision To Learn, the nation’s largest provider of school-based vision care services, addresses this challenge by operating mobile clinic vans that provide free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses directly to schools, making vision care more accessible for students. Along with receiving prescription glasses, students can choose from a wide variety of stylish frames with guidance from a Vision To Learn optician.
About Post Author
