Transitions Makes Surprise Donation to “Bess the Book Bus”

TRANSITIONS MAKES SURPRISE DONATION TO “BESS THE BOOK BUS” ON CBS NEWS’ THE EARLY SHOW
Sponsorship of Locally Founded Literacy Outreach Program Garners National Attention

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., May 26, 2009 – Recognizing the connection between healthy vision, education and literacy, Connie Falvo, director, external affairs, Transitions Optical, Inc. surprised Tampa native Jennifer Frances on Friday, May 22 during CBS News’ The Early Show by adopting West Shore Elementary School in Tampa in Frances’ name. Transitions will be providing free eye exams for all students and fitting those students in need with Transitions® lenses. Frances was featured on the show’s segment “Early’s Angels,” which honors those who make extraordinary efforts to help others, for her mobile literacy outreach initiative “Bess the Book Bus.” Students from West Shore Elementary were shown live via satellite during the surprise announcement.

Founded solely by Frances in 2004, “Bess the Book Bus” began visiting schools, shelters and after-school programs in the Tampa area to distribute children’s books and do readings for underprivileged children. Since then, Frances’ efforts have expanded, servicing more than 200 children and adults in need each week to promote literacy. For more information about the program, visit www.bessthebookbus.org.