Match Eyewear Press Release

02.13.13


 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

THE OPTICAL INDUSTRY STEPS OUT IN SUPPORT OF SOPHIA’S HEART

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 3, 2012 - The eyewear industry was well represented at the first annual Sophia’s Heart Gala on November 3rd at the Milwaukee Public Theater Atrium at the Shops of Grand Avenue.  The event was hosted by the President and Founder of Sophia’s Heart, American Idol finalist Danny Gokey, and attended by Match Eyewear’s Phil Turnage and Carla Turnage, and Paul George, Amy George, Darren Horndasch and Jamie Horndasch of Wisconsin Vision.

Sophia’s Heart, started by Danny Gokey in 2008, endeavors to help children and families who have been affected by poverty, sickness, disease, and broken homes and broken dreams.  In addition to providing scholarships to those who have had to overcome a significant hardship in their lives, Sophia’s Heart offers children the opportunity to participate in after school music and arts programs not available in their own schools.  The goal is to inspire and restore entire families by engaging and fostering the talent in their children.

Over 140 guests attended the evening’s festivities which included dining, silent and live auctions, and a performance by Danny Gokey with the Sophia’s Heart Choir.  ‘This gala would not have been possible without the generosity of more than 30 volunteers and our corporate sponsors,’ praised Danny Gokey.  Key sponsors included Wisconsin Vision, whose President and CEO, Darren Horndasch, is also Chairman of the Community Board of Sophia’s Heart in Milwaukee.  Match Eyewear, the manufacturer and distributor of Danny Gokey Eyewear, donated several pairs of the collection’s sunglasses to the evening’s live auction, including the pair worn by Danny as he emceed.  ‘Wisconsin Vision has always been such a staunch advocate of Sophia’s Heart and we are so grateful for that.’  Gokey adds, ‘We were also thrilled to have Match Eyewear at the gala pledging their support to this wonderful cause.’     

The evening culminated with Danny joining the nearly 40 children in the Sophia’s Heart Choir and Dance Team on stage for a performance of ‘Music from the Heart’.  The gala raised over $30,000 which will help fund after school arts and music programs for children from Milwaukee’s central city schools.  ‘It was a spectacular event for an incredibly noble cause,’ says Match Eyewear’s Phil Turnage.  ‘Definitely a pleasure to be there and an honor to help Sophia’s Heart in any way we can.’       

President and Founder Danny Gokey will host the 3rd Annual Cruise for Sophia’s Heart, which will benefit homeless children and families in Sophia’s Heart’s Compassion Nashville facility.  For more information about this upcoming fundraising event, please visit www.sophiasheart.org.

 

Contact:          Kristina Kear                                                              

Phone:             516-877-0170 X111

E-mail:             kkear@matcheyewear.com