INDIANAPOLIS—Bosma Enterprises, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for Hoosiers who are blind or visually impaired, is set to honor two prominent supporters at its annual Hasbrook Awards Luncheon. The event will be held Nov. 2 at The Crane Bay, 551 W. Merrill St., Indianapolis, to raise funds for employment and training programs. During the luncheon, Bosma will present the Thomas C. Hasbrook Award, named in honor of Thomas C. Hasbrook, who lost his sight in combat during WWII and spent the rest of his life dedicated to bettering the lives of the blind community. The award is given to someone who embodies Hasbrook’s commitment to serving this community. “At Bosma, we strongly believe in recognizing the people and organizations who help make what we do possible,” said Lou Moneymaker, CEO, Bosma Enterprises. “This years’ recipients fit the exact criteria of what it means to be truly committed to improving the lives of those with disabilities.” Francis Price Jr., M.D., the recipient of this years’ Hasbrook Award, is the founder of Price Vision Group, an internationally recognized eye center for diagnosis, treatment and research in the field of corneal and refractive surgery. In addition to his private practice, Price is one of the premier corneal surgeons and leading researchers of corneal diseases in the world. He established the Cornea Research Foundation of America in 1988 to help identify problems associated with vision loss and research ways to improve surgical treatments, medications and more to give people the best possible vision. “We not only take care of people but we try to identify problems and see what we can do to fix them,” said Price. “I’m always looking for a way to prevent the need for what we actually do, which is transplants, cataract surgeries, and glaucoma surgery, because I feel like if we can find a treatment that eliminates the need for these surgeries, then we’ll have time to do something else that can help people see better.”
Additionally, Bosma recognizes a dedicated supporter with the Community Partner of the Year Award. This accolade honors an organization that has made a significant contribution to community outreach in conjunction with Bosma and best exemplifies the values and priorities that align with improving the lives of the blind and visually impaired. Zink Distributing Company, the largest operation for Anheuser Busch in Indiana, has been a devoted advocate of Bosma for many years and is the recipient of this year’s Community Partner Award. The company’s president, Jim Zink has participated on several boards and committees in addition to providing financial support to Bosma. Without the support of Zink Distributing Company, Bosma events, programs and services would not be possible. “We like to support organizations who help people who are less fortunate than we are,” Zink said. “Bosma offers them an opportunity to regain their independence and to lead a productive and meaningful life, and I think that’s just incredible.” Currently, there are 165,000 Hoosiers living with vision loss. Bosma serves nearly 1,000 clients annually, training people to read braille, use accessible technologies such as computer screen readers, safely navigate using a white cane, and cook, clean and live independently without sight. In part, funds raised will support renovations at the organization’s facility at 7225 Woodland Drive, Indianapolis, to increase capacity for its programs and reduce wait times.

For more information on the event and how to get involved with Bosma, visit bosma.org/Events.

About Bosma Enterprises
Bosma Enterprises is a nonprofit organization that’s been helping Hoosiers who are blind or visually impaired for more than 100 years. Our experienced staff (more than half of whom are blind) offers personalized programs ranging from counseling, to job placement, to training for daily living skills—helping adults gain the life skills they need to remain independent, and the job skills they need to stay self-sufficient. To learn more about how you can help our mission, or how our mission can help you, visit Bosma.org.