FURMAN PARTNERS WITH LIFT UP AMERICA

FURMAN PARTNERS WITH LIFT UP AMERICA AND GIFT OF SIGHT TO DONATE USED GLASSES; SCHOOL TO COLLECT DONATIONS AT SATURDAY FURMAN-WOFFORD FOOTBALL GAME

GREENVILLE, South Carolina --Furman University is partnering with Lift up America and the Gift of Sight Project to collect used eye glasses and sunglasses at its November 12 football game with Wofford College.

Furman is one of 23 professional sports franchises or Universities to participate in this project. Along with six Division I Universities, participants include seven NFL franchises, five NBA teams, four NHL teams, and one MLS franchise. Other Universities that are partnering with the project include Wake Forest University, Louisiana Tech, the University of Tennessee, Boise State University, and the University of Arizona.

Spectators that attend the November 12 Furman-Wofford football game are asked to bring any used eye glasses or sunglasses to the game. Locations will be set up on both the east and west stands to collect the glasses.
These glasses will be cleaned and recycled for distribution to those in need around the world. Gift of Sight conducts more than 12 optical missions a year to hand-deliver services and recycled glasses to those in need in countries such as Mexico, Chile, Thailand, Bolivia, Peru, Romania, China and others.

“We are excited about the opportunity to support this great cause," said Furman Athletic Director Dr. Gary Clark. "The city of Greenville is an active participant this year and we are excited to be able to assist in the effort. We encourage both Furman and Wofford fans to bring any used glasses to the game."

The drive to collect used glasses and distribute them overseas is just one component of the Gift of Sight/Lift up America project. On Tuesday, December 6, Gift of Sight will be conducting programs in LensCrafters and Pearle Vision stores in cities across North America, including Greenville. The event, called “Hometown Day” provides free eye exams and new glasses to people in need in their own communities. It’s a special way to celebrate the “giving season” by giving the Gift of Sight.

Give the Gift of Sight is a charitable foundation dedicated to helping the world see by delivering free eye care and eyeglasses to people in need across North America and in developing countries. Give the Gift of Sight efforts are manned by associates and doctors from multiple retail brands, including LensCrafters and Pearle Vision.

Lift Up America is a non-profit organization partnering with business leaders, pro sports owners, and athletic directors developing creative ways to provide compassionate aid throughout America. Tyson Food, the Luxottica Group and Ty Inc are currently the key sponsors of the December
2005 event.

Twenty-one cities, including Greenville, will serve as distribution hubs the week of December 5th, with 23 professional and university sports teams and more than 500 compassionate organizations working together to
lift up America.