Rallying Children to Read
Davis Vision, New York Islanders, National Grid Sponsor Literacy Day
PLAINVIEW, NY (Nov. 7, 2008) – “Let’s go, Islanders!” The spirited shout from New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro exploded from a microphone to the cheers of students at East Broadway Elementary School in Seaford, NY, as he and teammate Bruno Gervais concluded a presentation highlighting the importance of reading.
East Broadway Elementary was one of 12 Long Island schools where the Islanders, co-sponsors of the fourth annual Literacy Day with Davis Vision and utility supplier National Grid, dispatched all 25 hockey team players recently to enlighten children about the new worlds to be discovered through reading. Some of the players read to students from the “Brady Brady” children’s book series, others from the “Matt Christopher” book series.
“The kids had a blast,” said Amy Stack, Davis Vision’s Director, Strategic Events / Community Relations, who attended the East Broadway Elementary presentation. “We are so proud to have been a co-sponsor of this event, which we hope has inspired many children to enjoy reading.”
The Islander team members definitely inspired their young fans, many of whom wore team jerseys or blue and orange shirts to school that day. “Teachers from all of the schools that participated contacted me afterward to say how much the students enjoyed our program,” said Anne Rina, Community Relations Manager for the New York Islanders.
Healthy eyesight is essential for children’s development of reading and writing skills. “Kids who say they do not like to read could be suffering from impaired vision,” said Laura Dyer, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Events / Community Relations for Davis Vision. “They might not even be aware of the problem, as many children do not know what they are supposed to be seeing. That is why Davis Vision encourages parents to take their kids to an eye care professional regularly for comprehensive eye examinations. The earlier that vision problems are diagnosed and corrected, the happier and more successful the child will be.”
Davis Vision has a long history of involvement in local community outreach programs. It regularly sponsors free vision screening clinics for children and has partnered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, New York Children’s Vision Coalition, United Way, MercyFirst and other charities to make a difference in the community.
About Davis Vision
Davis Vision is part of the HVHC Inc. group of companies, which also includes Viva International Group and Eye Care Centers of America. One of the nation's premier managed vision care companies, Davis Vision has been providing comprehensive vision benefits for nearly 45 years, and currently serves over 55 million individuals nationwide through an extensive blended network of approximately 30,000 ophthalmologists and optometrists, in addition to many opticians and top national retail providers.
