NEW YORK—The Rockin’ for New Eyes show will get an extra jolt of energy from rock ‘n’ roll fans who will flock to the Hard Rock Café on Saturday, March 17 to dance to their favorite optical singers and musicians and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while supporting a worthy cause.

The fundraising concert is expected to sell out, according to organizers, who are aiming to top last year’s record donations of $205,000. The funds are raised through company donations and tickets sales and proceeds are donated to New Eyes for the Needy, which provides eyeglasses for needy people throughout many parts of the world.

As in prior years, all the performers are optical industry volunteers. Many are “weekend warriors” who have years of music experience gained from performing in local bands, and some have even toured professionally. All the performers are excited to be performing at the Hard Rock, a legendary theater once known as the Paramount which hosted the world premiere of Elvis Presley’s first movie, “Love Me Tender” and where Buddy Holly & The Crickets performed “Peggy Sue.”

“Don’t miss the fun of being ‘Irish’ for the night and listening to the talented musicians in our industry play a wide variety of rock tunes for your enjoyment, including some great Irish songs,” said Bob Stein, chief philanthropic and managed care development officer for National Vision, the lead sponsor for Rockin’ for New Eyes. “Get your green on and come join us along with a large number of optometry students and celebrate this great fun-loving, kind-hearted industry we all love.”

Support from sponsors has been strong and continues to grow, said Denise Mogil, U.S. optical director of professional services for Costco Wholesale, who heads the fundraising effort. Mogil is encouraging other sponsors to support the show, with the goal of collecting $215,000 for New Eyes for the Needy. Interested sponsors can contact her at denisemogilneweyes@gmail.com.



To date, the show sponsors are:

Premier Diamond Sponsor
National Vision Inc.

Platinum Sponsor
Jobson Optical Group
Transitions Adaptive Lenses

Gold Sponsors
Davis Vision
Marcolin USA Eyewear
The Vision Council/Reed Exhibitions

Silver Sponsors
Avesis Vision International
Charmant USA Inc.
ClearVision Optical
Corporate Optometry On Facebook
Costco Optical
DeRigo REM
Essilor USA
Eyewear by R.O.I.
Eyewear Designs Ltd
FGX International
Inspecs
Kenmark Eyewear
Marco Ophthalmic
The McGee Group
MCQ LLC
Nouveau Eyewear
Ocuco
UnitedHealthcare Vision
Uprise by VisionWeb
Zyloware

Bronze Sponsors
Europa Eyewear
Oculus, Inc.

Rockin’ for New Eyes will take place at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square on March 17 from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am. VIP and general admission tickets are available at www.shopneweyes.org/rfne-tickets. General admission tickets will be available at the door at the Hard Rock Café, located at Broadway and 43rd St.