Eye-popping success for sunglasses expo

By Murray Silby

Nov 13, 2023

**Money raiser:** Graham Hill Eyecare director Mark DePaola, GV Health Foundation’s “Ladies Who Lunch” ambassador Vicki Scott and GV Health Foundation chair Stephen Merrylees celebrate the success of the Graham Hill Eyecare sunglasses expo.

Lived experience with cancer has helped propel a fundraising idea into a reality that has raised $20,000 for Shepparton oncology services.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Local optometry business Graham Hill Eyecare raised the money through its Sunglasses Expo, held on Thursday, November 2, in collaboration with the GV Health Foundation’s Ladies Who Lunch fundraising event.

It’s the second successive year the event has raised $20,000, with the funds aiding local women undergoing cancer treatment.

**Clear vision:** Graham Hill Eyecare Sunglasses Expo coordinator Jill Maude helped make the fundraising event a success. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Supporting GV Health oncology is very important to us,” Graham Hill Eyecare director Mark DePaola said.

“Like so many people in our area, our family and many of the families within our business have had first-hand experience with the incredible benefits of quality local cancer treatment and support services.

“This fundraising event has become an annual highlight for the 15 staff members of our business.”

Happy to help: Graham Hill Eyecare staff. Photo by Megan Fisher

The funds were raised through the donation of 50 per cent of glasses sales during the store’s expo, which combined eye care and fashion for the benefit of the region’s health services.

“On the day, due to sunglasses and prescription lens supplier support we were able to offer 20 per cent off all sunglasses and prescription sunglasses lenses to the public,” Mr DePaola said.

“We had committed to a $10,000 donation to the Ladies Who Lunch fundraiser. With incredible community support, we were actually able to double our donation commitment to $20,000 for the second year in a row.”

Keeping it cool: Sunglasses at the Graham Hill Eyewear Big Sale. Photo by Megan Fisher

He said the expo was made possible by a combined effort from GV Health staff, glasses company representatives and Graham Hill Eyecare employees.

“It is a great event where we can combine community service, and spring fashion, and also highlight the importance of UV protection with sunglasses leading into summer,” Mr DePaola said.

“We are already looking forward to presenting the event again next year.”

Welcoming the public: Graham Hill Eyewear was well attended during its expo. Photo by Megan Fisher

Event coordinator Jill Maude said customers had enthusiastically adopted the fun of the day while also recognising its important cause.

“In addition to supporting our local oncology service, it is terrific to provide an exceptional style event leading into the Spring Carnival season,” she said.

“Industry representatives brought hundreds of extra sunglasses models to complement our existing extensive range, with famous brands such as Oroton, Tom Ford and Gucci proving to be the most popular among the 76 pairs of sunglasses sold on the day.”