Community Relations Drive Benefits Lions Recycle for Sight and Hunger Task Force
New Berlin, WI, October 1, 2010 — Wisconsin Vision announced today a community relations drive to collect used eye glasses for the Lions Recycle for Sight program and non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force. Visitors who bring the items to any of Wisconsin Vision’s 22 state locations will get a free ticket to meet Danny Gokey, 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville Recording Artist and 2009 American Idol Finalist, when he makes his next store visit Wednesday, November 17 at Wisconsin Vision’s new Glendale location.
“Danny and Wisconsin Vision share a strong sense of community values. We both wanted to use Danny’s next visit to engage his fans and our customers to help others in need,” said Darren Horndasch, Wisconsin Vision’s president and CEO. “Between Monday October 4 and Danny’s November 17th visit, we look forward to collecting eye glasses and food items that will be redistributed to families and children who need them.”
Donors who drop off items can also register to win two free tickets to the First Annual Danny Gokey Cruise for Sophia’s Heart, the non-profit organization Danny founded in honor of his late wife. Wisconsin Vision’s Horndasch recently joined the organization’s Board of Directors.
Wisconsin Vision, Sophia’s Heart and Gokey plan to announce during his November visit a new community relief program that will engage Gokey’s fans across the country to benefit area children. The visit will also feature a performance by the Sophia’s Heart Choir and Pulse Dance Team.
Since its founding in 1979, Wisconsin Vision has been actively involved in local causes. The optical company has collected thousands of pairs of used eye glasses for the Lions Club.
“While the economy may have improved for some, meeting basic needs like meals and health care remains a challenge for too many in our community,” says Horndasch. “Our goal is involve our employees, customers and relationship with Danny to support our communities.”
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Wisconsin Vision, the state’s largest independently-owned optical company, has 22 Wisconsin locations and operates 5 locations in Illinois and Indiana as Heartland Vision. Family-owned and founded in 1979, brothers Paul and Andy George are principals and Darren Horndasch is president/CEO. The company is also managing partner of Chicago-area Eye Boutique, with 7 locations. Wisconsin Vision carries the largest selection of frame styles of any competitor with more than 2,000 choices at every location. Licensed Doctors of Optometry perform all eye exams while lab professionals make lenses using the industry’s most advanced equipment at LBC Optics, also owned by the George family. Wisconsin Vision, Heartland Vision, Eye Boutique and LBC Optics currently employ approximately 200 employees.
Wisconsin Vision Media Contacts:
* Pam Kassner, 414-510-1838, pam@superpear.com
* Darren Horndasch, 262-432-2005 Ext. 3113, dhorndasch@wisconsinvision.com
