ATLANTA HAWKS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $1.2 MILLION DONATION TO VISION TO LEARN IMPACTING THOUSANDS METRO ATLANTA STUDENTS

The Atlanta Hawks and Georgia’s Own Credit Union joined together with Vision To Learn, a non-profit provider that grants free eye exams and glasses to students in metro Atlanta, to host a special celebration at Evoline C. West Elementary School. More than 100 students received new eyeglasses, a book of their choice and a bookmark as part of National Reading Month.
 
The highlight of the event featured the Atlanta Hawks Foundation announcing a $1.2 million monumental commitment to Vision To Learn over the next two years. This landmark donation guarantees that every Title I student from kindergarten through fifth grade will receive essential vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses, effectively removing a major barrier to literacy and classroom engagement for thousands of children across metro Atlanta.
 
“We are very grateful for the Hawks and their continued commitment to Vision To Learn,” said Ann Hollister, President of Vision To Learn. “For nine years, the Atlanta Hawks have been a vital partner in our mission to ensure that every child in Atlanta has the vision care they need to succeed. Whether they’re in the classroom or on the basketball court, kids who can see clearly have the best chance to reach their full potential and thrive in every aspect of their lives.”
 
Joining them on site to participate in the celebration and announcement was Jami Gertz, Principal Owner of the Hawks, Steve Koonin, Chief Executive Officer of the Hawks, Nick Ressler, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Alternate Governor of the Hawks and Chairman of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, along with Josh Powell, Hawks alum, two-time NBA Champion and Euro League Champion, as well as representatives from the three organizations.
 
“The Atlanta Hawks Foundation is incredibly proud to partner and make a significant investment to every kid over the next two years to scale our partnership with Vision To Learn across Metro Atlanta,” said Nick Ressler. “As a community asset, we feel that ensuring every student in our city’s Title I elementary schools has the tools they need to see the board, read with confidence and succeed in the classroom.”
 
The Hawks’ event in partnership with Georgia’s Own Credit Union at Evoline C. West Elementary School featured a graduation-style ceremony, where each student was called to the stage to receive their new prescription eyeglasses. In honor of National Reading Month, the celebration included a book giveaway, allowing students to test their new vision right away with a story of their choosing.
 
“Clear vision is a fundamental tool for learning, yet it’s an essential resource that too many students in our community are forced to go without,” said Dave Preter, President and CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “At Georgia’s Own, we are honored to partner with the Hawks to scale the vital work of Vision To Learn and ensure that every child has the clarity they need to succeed in the classroom and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.”
 
Those in attendance also had the opportunity to take photos with featured members of Hawks Entertainment and special guests including Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers. DJ Stevo was also on site to keep the attendees entertained.
 
“Partnering with Vision To Learn and the Atlanta Hawks is making a meaningful difference for our students at E.C. West.,” said Jill Meeker, Principal of Evoline C. West Elementary School. “By providing eye exams and glasses on site, they are helping remove a barrier that can affect learning every day. When students can see clearly, they read more, participate more, and grow in confidence. We are grateful for this partnership and the commitment to helping our Wildcats succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
 
In November 2025, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Vision To Learn launched the Atlanta Vision Project, a new three-year initiative expected to reach approximately 270 underserved elementary schools across the five-county metro Atlanta region to ensure every child in need across metro Atlanta has access to the vision care they need.
 
Every day, children in metro Atlanta attend school without the necessary glasses to aid them in seeing the board, reading a book, or engaging in classroom activities. The main obstacle they face is the absence of access to vision services in low-income communities. Addressing this issue, Vision To Learn delivers vision services directly to students at school through the use of mobile clinic vans. The organization works with school site personnel and district administrative staff to arrange visits. Students receive prescribed glasses and are able to select their frames with the guidance of a Vison To Learn optician. All students are presented with a diverse array of stylish frames in various colors and sizes to choose from.
 
Since 2017, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation has partnered with Vision To Learn to service schools in metro Atlanta by providing students with over 48,000 eyeglasses and over 59,000 free eye exams.
 
For more information about the Hawks’ efforts in the community, visit Hawks.com/community.

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