YORBA LINDA, Calif., Aug. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For their philanthropic impact and humanitarian support of optometry, Marshall B. Ketchum University will honor community leaders at the third annual Shared Visions Gala & V–Awards, Thursday, September 19, 2013, at a 4:30pm VIP reception and a 5:30pm gala at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd. in Yorba Linda, CA.
With a theme of "Sharing Vision – Changing Lives" and a focus on supporting vision readiness for all children in Orange County, the Shared Visions Gala & V–Awards is the signature event for Marshall B. Ketchum University of Fullerton, CA. Awards will include:
CORPORATE V–AWARD
Allergan, Inc., Irvine, accepted by Allergan Chairman of the Board and CEO David Pyott
*Multi-specialty health care company committed to addressing unmet medical and community needs to help people reach their life's potential
FOUNDER'S V–AWARD
Marshall B. Ketchum, M.D., to be accepted by the Ketchum family
*Pioneer in optometry and founder of the third-oldest college of optometry in the US
SHARED VISIONS ARTIST AWARD
Susan Joy Gustafson, Vancouver, WA
*Compelled to paint vivid floral and tropical scenes from her mind's eye after being diagnosed with a progressive rare eye condition
"Our third annual Shared Visions Gala & V–Awards is particularly exciting because of our new university name and our transition into an interprofessional healthcare institution," says Marshall B. Ketchum University President Kevin Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.
The Gala and V–Awards program includes selections from the Shared Visions Art Exhibit, showcasing works by blind or visually impaired artists.
Gold sponsors of the Shared Visions Gala & V–Awards are Allergan, Essilor and NVision.
For more on the Shared Visions Gala & V–Awards or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.ketchum.edu/sharedvisions.
For media inquiries, contact Jess Block, Publicist, at 909-706-8525, JessBlockPR@gmail.com.
ABOUT THE SHARED VISIONS GALA & V–AWARDS: The Shared Visions Gala & V–Awards is the signature fundraising event for Marshall B. Ketchum University in Fullerton, CA. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting vision readiness for all children in Orange County. In 2012, the Gala raised more than $200,000 and hosted 300 attendees in support of the creation of the mobile vision van known as "Eye Force One," bringing vision services to those in need who cannot travel to a clinic. http://www.ketchum.edu/sharedvisions/
ABOUT MARSHALL B. KETCHUM UNIVERSITY: Established in 1904, Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is a private, non-profit, educational institution. The University confers a four-year, professional degree, Doctor of Optometry, and a Master of Science in Vision Science degree. The University is also adding the School of Physician Assistant Studies that expects to award a Master of Medical Sciences degree as the first step in the development of an interprofessional healthcare campus. MBKU owns and operates two premier eye and vision care centers – the Eye Care Center in Fullerton, CA, and the Optometric Center of Los Angeles. http://www.ketchum.edu; https://facebook.com/SoCalCollegeofOptometry; http://twitter.com/SCCOdaily