CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—ABB Optical Group, a leading distributor of optical products, has announced that seven non-profit organizations, nominated by eyecare professionals nationwide, will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for outstanding programming and community impact through the Fifth Annual ABB Cares Program. ABB Optical has donated more than $50,000 in grants to non-profits coast to coast since the program’s inception in 2014. “As we celebrate the fifth year of ABB Cares, we would like to thank the eyecare professionals who make this program so successful and impactful,” said Brad Weinbrum, president of ABB Optical Group.

“Each year, we receive inspiring nominations highlighting the charities that make a difference in the communities we serve. We are proud to support ECPs in the causes that are near and dear to their hearts.”

Platinum ABB Cares Grant of $5,000 went to:

Extra Special People, Inc.
The mission of Watkinsville, Georgia-based Extra Special People, nominated by Thomas Eye Center, is to create opportunities for people with disabilities and their families to engage, connect and thrive. The organization will receive a $5,000 ABB Cares grant that will support its campaign to create a Miracle League Complex, which will include an accessible baseball field, splash pad and playground.

Gold ABB Cares Grants of $2,500 went to:

Santa Maria Hostel, Inc.
Nominated by Dr. Joseph Dollak of Visual Compassion, Houston-based Santa Maria Hostel is devoted to empowering women and their families to lead healthy, successful, productive and self-fulfilling lives. The $2,500 ABB Cares grant will fund the primary health care and vision care needs of the women and children served by the charity.

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic
The mission of Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, located in Port Charlotte, Florida and nominated by Dr. David Klein, MD, is to provide free primary care, semi-urgent care, pharmacy and wellness services to Charlotte County’s uninsured population. The Volunteer Community Clinic will receive a $2,500 ABB Cares grant to help support the Pharmacy Program, specifically for the purchase of costly eye medications.

Silver ABB Cares Grants of $1,000 went to:

Alameda Education Foundation
The mission of Alameda, California-based Alameda Education Foundation, nominated by Dr. Daniel Chin, is to support educational excellence in Alameda public schools by promoting educational opportunities, innovation and equity for students. Alameda Education Foundation will receive a $1,000 ABB Cares grant that will help maintain Alameda Education Foundation’s after-school enrichment classes and its college prep academy.

Global Glimpse
The Nanuet, New York chapter of Global Glimpse, nominated by Dr. Jeffrey M. Rubin, is dedicated to providing high school students with a two-year leadership, civic engagement and college preparatory program centered on a summer immersion experience in the developing world. The organization will receive a $1,000 ABB Cares grant to help fund need-based scholarships to make the program accessible to high school youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Special Kids Connect
Monterey, California-based Special Kids Connect, nominated by Hattori Vision Optometry, is devoted to developing resources, raising awareness and providing support to children with disabilities and their families in Monterey County. The organization will receive a $1,000 ABB Cares grant to help fund the development and implementation of a REACH “Move and Sing” program for the children that they serve.

Interfaith Outreach
Nominated by Complete Eye Care of Medina, Plymouth, Minnesota-based Interfaith Outreach serves struggling families and individuals in the Twin Cities. The $1,000 ABB Cares grant will be used to support the Neighborhood Program, which includes multiple services ranging from family support to senior enrichment services.

For more information about the ABB Cares program and to sign up for notifications about next year's grant application process, visit ABBOptical.com.