Sight Saving Superheroes 2024: Not All Heroes Wear Capes
New York, NY: Last year on Giving Tuesday, SUNY College of Optometry Sight Saving Superheroes sprang to action and made this national day that follows Thanksgiving a resounding success. This year, the College and its Foundation leapt to new heights on Tuesday, December 3, with Sight Saving Superheroes 2024: Not All Heroes Wear Capes! The month-long initiative to carry the message of generosity, gratitude, and giving through the end of the year began with a call to action by President David Troilo. “Our mission is clear: to transform eye care through education, research, and community service. It’s a mission that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the support of all members of our community.” A social media blitz in the month of November led up to the kick-off, featuring members of the college community who answered the call to action. This included members of the security team, library, nursing staff, and administrative assistants. They encouraged people to be Sight Saving Superheroes, staving off advances in preventable vision impairment and blindness, while carrying the message of giving to others in and outside the college community. When the big day arrived, a Giving & Gratitude Station was set up in the College’s lobby, encouraging students, staff, faculty, and alumni to participate. Over 75 Appreciation-Grams were written, giving thanks and showing appreciation by students, faculty, and staff for others within the SUNY Optometry Community. These fun and meaningful messages were sent out to deserving recipients, teams, and individuals. As the day progressed, online and in-person financial donations were made, reaching a current total of over 65 individual pledges and gifts totaling nearly $25,000, surpassing the day’s goal with donations still coming in. Contributions could be designated to specific College causes like Vision Research, Student Clubs, Patient Care, and Scholarships. An anonymous donor pledged up to $5,000 in additional funds for every donation made specifically during Giving Tuesday, encouraging others to give back. Those who visited the Sight Saving Superhero Station could also enjoy light refreshments and pose for photos with signs sporting the #EyeGive and #EyeAppreciate messaging. “Seeing the entire SUNY College of Optometry community come together throughout the day was truly inspiring,” said Nicole Totans, Associate Director of the Annual Fund who led the initiative. “By supporting SUNY Optometry this Giving Tuesday, you’re not just making a gift - you’re making a lasting impact on the future of eye care and the lives of those who depend on it. This spirit of generosity and gratitude transforms us all into Sight-Saving Superheroes.” Donations can still be made through the following link: www.sunyopt.edu/givingtuesday Media Contact: Rob Rosiello Email: [email protected] Phone: 212-938-5753 About the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation Founded in 1956, the SUNY College of Optometry Foundation (formerly the Optometric Center of New York) exemplifies the partnership among visionary community leaders, education, vision organizations, and businesses. The Foundation demonstrates a commitment to supporting vision care for underserved populations, educating the next generation of optometrists with merit- and need-based scholarships, and advancing research into the complex human visual system. About SUNY Optometry Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational, and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center. SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. To learn more, visit www.sunyopt.edu.