CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—ABB Optical Group, a leading national provider of optical products, services and business solutions, has announced that seven non-profit organizations will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for outstanding programming and community impact. The grants are issued under the auspices of the Sixth Annual ABB Cares Program, and all of the grant-winners were nominated by eyecare professionals from across the nation. Since the program’s inception in 2014, ABB Optical Group has donated more than $65,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in the United States, according to the company’s announcement this week.

“ABB Cares brings the optical industry together to highlight noteworthy organizations that are making a difference in communities across the country,” chief executive officer Tom Burke said. “We applaud the eyecare professionals who took the time to bring the incredible work that these organizations do to our attention. We are proud to support ECPs and would like to thank them for continuing to have such a profound impact on the communities where they live and work.”

The grant winners and amounts for 2019 are listed below.

Platinum ABB Cares Grant of $5,000

· BIO Girls – The mission of Fargo, N.D.-based BIO Girls, nominated by McCulley Optix Gallery, is to improve the self-esteem of adolescent girls through empowerment of self and service to others. The organization will receive a $5,000 ABB Cares grant to help provide journals, which are utilized to support life-skill development, to more than 2,000 girls in 2020.


Gold ABB Cares Grants of $2,500


· Lakeshore Food 4 Kids – The mission of Lakeshore Food 4 Kids, located in Ludington, Mich., and nominated by West Shore Eye Care, is to provide meals for elementary school students that may be facing food insecurity issues, in the Ludington area school district. Lakeshore Food 4 Kids will receive a $2,500 ABB Cares grant to continue filling weekend food bags handed out to under-served students.

· Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge – Nominated by Apple Valley Eyecare, Minneapolis-based Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge is dedicated to assisting teens and adults in gaining freedom from drug and alcohol addictions and other life controlling problems by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The organization will receive a $2,500 ABB Cares grant to fund the Minnesota Adult and Teen College Scholarship Program.


Silver ABB Cares Grants of $1,000

· It’s a Sensory World – Nominated by Dr. David E. Weber, Farmers Branch, Texas-based It’s a Sensory World is devoted to serving children with special needs with customized sensory-based programs to maximize developmental potential leading to the independence and inclusion of each child. The $1,000 ABB Cares grant will fund new therapeutic classroom materials and sensory gym equipment.

· Sandy Feet Initiative – Mission Viejo, Calif.-based Sandy Feet Initiative, nominated by Griffin Optometric Group, is devoted to empowering the siblings of children with special needs through beach-oriented programs. Sandy Feet Initiative will receive a $1,000 ABB Cares grant to fund additional staff and equipment.

· The Camphill School – The Camphill School, located in Glenmoore, Pa., and nominated by Eagle Eye Associates,  provides programs for children and youth with developmental disabilities so that they may be better understood, reach their potential and meaningfully participate in life. The Camphill School will receive a $1,000 ABB Cares grant to support families who need financial aid.

· Vision is Priceless – Jacksonville, Fla.-based Vision is Priceless, nominated by Levenson Eye Associates, is dedicated to providing access to quality, free preventative vision healthcare including free vision screenings, eye exams, surgeries and glasses for the underserved. The non-profit organization will receive a $1,000 ABB Cares grant that will benefit the Gift of Sight Program, which is helping to restore sight to those in need in Jacksonville.


For more information about the ABB Cares program and to sign up for notifications about next year's grant application process, visit ABBOptical.com. ABB Optical provides optical products, services and business solutions to the eyecare sector. It operates through three business pillars: ABB Contact Lens, ABB Labs and ABB Business Solutions.