Rock4Sight 2024 will be back at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on Friday, March 15 to raise funds for ECN Purpose, a 501c3 charity dedicated to providing eye health education and a connection to vision care for those who are underserved. The popular show, which has become an annual fixture of Vision Expo week, features singers and musicians from throughout the optical industry who perform an evening of rock classics.
“In 2023, the Rock4Sight event focused on tributes to various artists across a number of musical genres,” says Bob Stein of Stein Family Charity, co-chairperson of Rock4Sight. “That was a great success, so we thought, ‘Let’s do something similar in 2024.’ For this year’s event, we will pay tribute to four genres: Rock, R&B, Country and Metal. Each of the four sets will feature songs you know and will sing along to.”
For the first time, Rock4Sight will be held on Friday night instead of Saturday night. “In past years, many Vision Expo East attendees left New York on Saturday and have not been able to see the show,” notes Stein. “We made the change so more people can attend.”
Aspasia Shappet, founder/CEO, ECN Purpose, says the organization is grateful for the support it has received from sponsors and attendees for the past two years that it has been the beneficiary of Rock4Sight. “All net proceeds from 2022 and 2023 Rock4Sight events have provided funds to help purchase our first mobile unit, customize the vision lane in the unit and install the latest and greatest optical equipment,” says Shappet. “In 2023, ECN Purpose inaugurated its first Mobile Eye Health Unit, located in Southern California. The 2024 Rock4Sight net proceeds will be used for the addition of a fully equipped field team. This will allow ECN Purpose and its wonderful volunteer eyecare professionals to expand its ability to meet individuals where they are, especially those who may be non-ambulatory and are in need of vision care. Thank you to all our supporters and contributors who have helped us preserve the precious gift of sight for many in need of assistance with vision health. It has been a service of love and dedication over the past few years to meet this wonderful milestone.”
National Vision (NVI) is returning as the Diamond, Presenting Sponsor of Rock4Sight. “This is the last year for Vision Expo East in NYC, so National Vision is especially proud to again be the Diamond Sponsor of Rock4Sight,” remarks Jacki Grove, SVP, talent and development; diversity, equity and inclusion; culture and philanthropy for NVI. “National Vision has taken this leadership role for many years and sees the impact for those in optical need happen over and over again. National Vision embraced a culture of optical philanthropy many years ago and has expanded it each year. Rock4Sight is just one facet of a wide variety of National Vision philanthropic endeavors, but it is where we can all gather to celebrate our industry, a culture of giving hearts and party with our industry friends and family.”
“We deeply appreciate NVI for again taking the lead in sponsorship,” says Stein. “NVI continues to be a model of corporate philanthropy with the emphasis on eyecare and eyewear for those in need.” Cassandra Hume, executive director, ECN Purpose, adds: “Our gratitude to Rock4Sight and the many generous sponsors cannot be overstated. A special acknowledgment to NVI, our incredibly charitable Diamond Sponsor, and the numerous sponsors who have contributed to this event year after year which help promote the mission of ECN Purpose.”
“This is the last year for Vision Expo East in New York City, so let’s say goodbye at this fun industry event. Spoiler alert: We are already in the planning stages for Rock4Sight 2025 at VEE in Florida,” says John Alofs of Eyewear by ROI, co-chairperson of Rock4Sight. “We want to personally thank all of the sponsors that have made this event a celebration of our industry for many years now,” adds Alofs and Stein. “The financial support for this event and ECN Purpose (the philanthropic beneficiary) is greatly appreciated. Long-term and new sponsors have stepped up again this year. Come and have a great evening, and do some real philanthropic good for the optically underserved along the way.”
Rock4Sight will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York City on Saturday, March 15 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at ecnpurpose.org/events.
Organizations or individuals who are interested in sponsoring the event should contact Bob Stein or John Alofs at [email protected]. Contributions are tax-deductible.
As of press time, the Rock4Sight sponsors are: Diamond Sponsor: National Vision, Inc.; Premiere Media Sponsor: Jobson Optical Group; Gold Sponsors: Eyewear by ROI, Hindar Optical, Stein Family Charity; Silver Sponsors: Aerial Vision International (AVI), Bulova, Case Optics, Colours by Alexander Julian, D.I. Ware, Eyewear Designs, EyeWris, Karen Kane, Kirk Lauterback, M.C.Q., Marcolin, The McGee Group, Modo, Denise and Scott Mogil, Mondottica USA, Nouveau Eyewear (Walman), Pacific Artisan Labs, United Healthcare and Zyloware.
—Andrew Karp
