Baseball Builds Bridges from Benin to Minnesota blog.pearlevision/2012/02/baseball-builds-bridges-from-benin-to-minnesota/ From Minnesota to Africa, OneSight brings diverse groups of people together to share their passion for giving back. For Gary Tonsager, Pearle Vision Franchisee, it was also a shared passion for sports that helped forge a lifelong bond with a local volunteer. Gary met Alban in 2010 while volunteering on a OneSight Clinic in Benin, a country in west Africa. It was during the teams sports theme day that Alban pointed to Garys Vikings shirt and said, Brett Favre, and they struck up a conversation. I was surprised that a local knew about American football, said Gary. But Alban explained that his family spent a few years in the States before moving back to Benin and he really missed sports – especially baseball. During the Clinic, Gary and Alban bonded over their love of sports and OneSight. I was amazed by the Clinic and people like Gary who would give so much of their time, said Alban. People in my country cannot afford and do not have access to eye care so I was very happy OneSight came to Benin. Alban explained to Gary that opportunities, especially for children in Benin, were scarce and he believed they could benefit from sports. Gary threw out the idea about bringing a baseball league to Benin and Alban quickly agreed to help. Since then, Alban and Gary have been working with partners in Benin and North America to raise funds and secure equipment to start the league. Alban, who is now studying at the University of Florida, recently visited Gary and his family in Minnesota. During his visit, plans for the baseball league continued, but Alban was also able participate in OneSight by preparing eyewear in Garys store for future Clinics. It was special for me to continue being a part of OneSight – to help others like those in my country, said Alban. I hope that OneSight continues their work because there is so much need. Alban is a wonderful person, said Gary. Im looking forward to continuing our connection and bringing baseball to great kids in Benin. Follow the leagues progress on their official Facebook page. Beth is passionate about helping the world to see more clearly. She joined Luxottica in 2006 where shes currently the Brand Manager of OneSight—a Pearle Vision supported organization that hand-delivers free vision care and quality eyewear to millions in need in developing countries and across North America. She works intently to integrate OneSight into Luxottica brands associate and customer initiatives to amplify and highlight the time, talent and efforts made by volunteers who work to bring healthy vision to the world. Beth graduated from Syracuse University in 1998 with a bachelors degree in Public Relations.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 22:25:06 +0000
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