In celebration of National Reading Month, the Atlanta Hawks partnered with Georgia’s Own Credit Union and Vision To Learn to host a special event at Evoline C. West Elementary School, providing more than 100 students with free eyeglasses, books, and bookmarks. The initiative aimed to improve both vision and literacy, giving students essential tools for success in and out of the classroom.
The event featured notable attendees including Jami Gertz, Steve Koonin, Nick Ressler, and Josh Powell, all of whom joined students and staff in celebrating the impact of the program. The highlight of the day was the Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s announcement of a $1.2 million commitment to Vision To Learn over the next two years, ensuring that every Title I student from kindergarten through fifth grade in metro Atlanta has access to vision screenings and prescription glasses.
“We’re here…making sure the kids have glasses so they’re able to participate in the classroom, on the court, and on the field,” said Nick Ressler. “This is what it’s all about being part of our community. This is the best part of our job.” He added that the $1.2 million investment reflects the foundation’s priority to expand access, calling the nonprofit’s work “tremendous” and worth deeper support.
Vision To Learn President Ann Hollister said the partnership has grown steadily over eight years. “As we help more kids each year, their support has grown with us. This is a game changer for Atlanta,” she said. At the school alone, 111 students needed glasses, a statistic she noted is common across the region.
Principal Jill Meeker emphasized the impact on student confidence and learning. “Students who can see clearly are more confident. They participate more and are more excited about reading,” she said. “Today’s celebration made them proud and excited about this new tool for learning.”
