New Eyes Holds Contest For High School Students To Plan 85th Anniversary Fundraiser

New Eyes for the Needy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is holding a contest, for local high school students, to develop a fundraiser to implement this year for New Eyes’ 85th Anniversary. Founded by local Short Hills resident Julia Lawrence Terry in 1932, New Eyes provides new prescription eyeglasses for low income U.S. residents and recycles gently-used glasses overseas for distribution in developing countries.

Entries are due on March 15, 2017 and should include: 1) a detailed description of the idea or event, 2) how it would be implemented (timing, # of volunteers, location), and 3) an estimate of total costs, potential funds raised and a profit projection. New Eyes will judge the entries on originality, feasibility of execution, and potential profit. The student whose project is chosen will manage the execution of the fundraiser and will receive local press, a letter of appreciation and recommendation, a great project to highlight on college applications, and a $50 gift card. Entries and questions can be emailed to Sally Golding at sgolding@new-eyes.org.

Since 1932, over 8.7 million lives have been improved with clear vision assistance from New Eyes. According to the World Health Organization, 285 million people are visually impaired worldwide, 43% whose vision could be corrected by a pair of glasses, but who don’t have the resources to buy them. New Eyes is coordinating a 20/20 for 2020 campaign to raise $1,000,000 and collect 1,000,000 pairs of gently used glasses by the year 2020.

Jean Gajano, Executive Director, said, “One person can make a difference and help improve the lives of hundreds of people. It’s a testament to our mission that it stands as relevant today as it did 85 years ago: clear vision improves lives, allowing children and adults to succeed.” New Eyes for the Needy is located at 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills.