Latest News Rockin’ for New Eyes Aims to Break Fundraising Record By Staff Wednesday, January 31, 2018 12:33 AM NEW YORK—New York’s Hard Rock Café, a favorite destination of rock and roll fans the world over, will again host Rockin’ for New Eyes, the annual fundraiser for New Eyes for the Needy. This year’s show, scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is expected to sell out, according to show organizers, who aim to top last year’s fundraising record 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.“Rockin’ for New Eyes is just not another fundraiser for us,” said Jean Gajano, executive director of New Eyes for the Needy. “It’s become an outpouring of support from the optical industry—companies, performers and attendees—all who understand the importance of clear vision and want to make a difference. We are deeply grateful that the industry has not only embraced this event but also embraced our mission to change lives through the simple yet critical tool of eyeglasses. With their support, we’ve been able to help thousands and thousands of U.S. residents in need who would otherwise go without eyeglasses and the clear vision they provide.”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 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.”“This year’s show is shaping up to be even more spectacular than last,” said Craig Sasson, a professional musician who serves as producer. “After all, it's on Saint Patty's day in NYC. The performers are all such professionals and the set lists are sure to bring down the house.”Support from sponsors is growing, 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. She said interested sponsors can contact her at denisemogilneweyes@gmail.com.To date, the show sponsors are:Premier Diamond SponsorNational Vision Inc. Platinum SponsorJobson Optical GroupTransitions Gold SponsorsDavis Vision Marcolin EyewearThe Vision Council/Reed Exhibitions Silver SponsorsAvesisAerial Vision Charmant USA Inc.Classique EyewearClearVision OpticalCorporate Optometry On Facebook Costco OpticalDe Rigo REMEssilor USAEyewear by R.O.I.Eyewear Designs LtdFGX InternationalInspecsKenmark EyewearMarcoThe McGee GroupMCQ LLCNouveau EyewearUnitedHealthcare VisionZyloware Bronze SponsorHilco 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 https://www.shopneweyes.org/rfne-tickets-2018. General admission tickets will be available at the door at Hard Rock Café, located at Broadway and 43rd St.