The Pasadena Lions Club knows being able to read the chalkboard clearly from any seat in the classroom is crucial to the education of every student, which is why the group recently hosted their fourth annual “Walk for Sight.”

Walk for Sight raises money to purchase eye exams and eyeglasses for needy children in Pasadena ISD. More than 900 students from 27 Pasadena ISD elementary schools participated in the event, raising more than $12,000 for this year’s walk. Lions member and Walk for Sight chairperson Joey Bowers said eyeglasses and exams cost about $120 per child and the projection for expenditures on eyeglasses this year is between $9,000 and $10,000.

“Lions clubs around the world have always been involved in sight conservation and our main focus locally has been to provide eyeglasses to children in Pasadena ISD,” he said. “Our club realizes the importance of eyesight and the education of children are one in the same. We also know through our example we can show children the benefits of helping others.”

Children in first through fifth grades are eligible to participate in the walk. Students qualified to receive benefits from the program and their parents seek sponsorships and participate in the walk. Children that participated in the walk received credit miles for Get-Fit-Jog, a kid’s meal coupon from Gabby’s Barbeque and a T-shirt. Those who collected at least $10 in sponsorship money received a personal sized duffle bag.

“This gives students the opportunity to be involved in a cause that directly benefits children in their own schools,” Bowers said. “We hope they enjoy being part of something that helps others and that they realize their efforts combined make a big impact.”

Rewards were also given to the top fundraising school and to the PE departments with the most student participation and with the most donations collected.

South Shaver Elementary School received the award for the most money raised, and the school’s PE teacher Vickie Fonville said she is thankful her students are able to be part of such a wonderful cause.

“The PE department at South Shaver is proud and honored to be able to work with the Lions Club in a joint effort to help the children in our district in this way,” Fonville said. “When the students get involved, they understand more about life and how things work. It gives them a sense of pride and satisfaction of a job well done. They become a part of something that is bigger than themselves.”

Many area business sponsors also contributed to the success of the event including Gabby’s Barbeque, The Pasadena Citizen, ABF Printing Services, ADCO’s Pharmacy, Allstate’s Dana Philibert, American Acryl, Bank of America, C&S Medical Supply, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, Meador Staffing Services, Texas Chiropractic College and Texas Coastal Bank.

The Lions Club also sponsors the Texas Lions Camp which provides summer camp opportunities for handicapped and diabetic children.

“By being involved with schools, we have the opportunity to help and provide a positive influence to children,” said Bowers. “In today’s age, there is so much more to school than reading, writing and arithmetic, and it requires people from the community to become partners in the process. We are happy to serve our children and our community.”