HARRISON, Ark. (Nov. XX, 2024) – The Arvest Foundation recently announced a $3,500 donation to the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation’s Eyes of a Champion program.

The grant will provide free eye exams and glasses to preschool through 12th-grade students who cannot afford glasses but also don’t qualify for state-funded programs.

Arvest associates joined Scott Tennyson, community bank president for Arvest Bank – North Arkansas, to present the check on behalf of the Arvest Foundation to Brandon Burlsworth Foundation Program Director Cindi Hagood.

“The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation honors Brandon’s legacy by positively impacting Arkansas’ youth,” Tennyson said. “We are proud to be able to support this organization that was created right here in our hometown.”

The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation supports the physical and spiritual needs of children who have limited opportunities and encourages strong faith, character and sportsmanship. The foundation was created in 1999 in honor of Harrison-native Brandon Burlsworth who began his college football career as a walk-on at the University of Arkansas and eventually became an all-American lineman. Burlsworth, known for his signature black-framed glasses, was tragically killed in an auto accident just 11 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.

“When a child is struggling visually in school, their chances of success drop drastically,” Hagood said. “By investing in our children’s vision needs when it is first diagnosed, we believe that we will improve their chance for success and ensure a more stable economy and a healthier, more competitive workforce in the future.”

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About the Arvest Foundation
The Arvest Foundation seeks to provide funding to grantees who are actively working to create positive change for others. Major areas of focus include: K-12 education, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Arvest footprint. More information is available here.

The above press release is from the Arvest Foundation.