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As the founder of Salus University’s Looking Out for Kids (LOFK) vision care charity fundraiser, one of Dr. Susan Oleszewski’s primary roles was to ensure that there were enough resources every year to provide comprehensive vision care services and eyeglasses to disadvantaged children in the region.
One of the key aspects of that was identifying community partners who recognized the value and importance of quality vision care to ensure the academic success for school-age children.
Fortunately, Dr. Oleszewski developed a long-standing relationship with Alan Lindy, president of Lindy Communities, which has proven to be a huge benefit for the LOFK program ever since.
And because of that commitment to the program in addition to his and his family’s continued commitment to the local community, Lindy will be honored as the “Lighthouse Award” recipient at the 13th annual Looking Out for Kids charity event Nov. 2.
“Alan and Lindy Properties embraced the LOFK charity many years ago and has continued meaningful financial support and personal commitment to ensure its success,” said Dr. Oleszewski. “The LOFK charity is so very lucky to have Alan as a benefactor and I have been lucky to call him a friend.”
It was a good match from the beginning, according to Lindy.
“The relationship really started to develop when Sue was coordinating the Looking Out for Kids events. We were happy and honored at the time to be a factor for her,” said Lindy. “When we look at our values as a company, obviously we’re in business to provide residential services. But that is not the end-all because we really want to make a difference in terms of where we’re serving – not just in the community itself, but in the extended community as well.”
Lindy’s personal and corporate support, as well as his leadership within the community, make him a worthy recipient of the “Lighthouse Award."
“It’s an honor to win this award,” said Lindy. “I’ve been working one way or another with Salus and PCO since 1998. We’ve always had a good relationship.”
During the past academic year, the Looking Out for Kids program has provided vision screenings to 4,289 children and has dispensed 1,130 pairs of glasses to schoolchildren. All of that in no small part thanks to Lindy and his company. And it’s consistent with the Lindy family’s longtime commitment to helping underprivileged children.
“The idea that you have so many students who need glasses and don’t even know they need glasses is incredible,” said Lindy. “With all the obstacles they already have to start with, they don’t even have the basic vision or hearing to receive and develop their education.”
Lindy believes that being a good community member is good business.
“You develop relationships and you feel better about yourself,” he said. “And it’s been that way with the University. We’re near each other in proximity, we’ve had a history with each other, and we have some business transactions that I hope have helped each of us. There has always been a commitment to saying, ‘This is what we’re doing right now. How can we make a difference in the broader community?’”
When it comes to Lindy’s generosity, Dr. Oleszewski is reminded of the following quote: “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
“The Looking Out for Kids charity has been enriched by Alan’s continued commitment to the LOFK mission,” she said. “His selection as the recipient of the ‘Lighthouse Award’ is an appropriate recognition of his incredible generosity.”
The award ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia. For tickets and information, call 215-780-1393.
