Chicago Nonprofit and Chick-fil-A South Loop Are Helping to Bring Free Vision Care to Chicago Kids


Chicago Nonprofit and Chick-fil-A South Loop Are Helping to Bring Free Vision Care to Chicago Kids

The Experiences That Matter Foundation’s 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign launches its 2026 summer tour with a week-long Chick-fil-A South Loop fundraiser and community showcase –raising funds to bring free vision care to 500 Chicago-area children this season 

CHICAGO, IL — June 16, 2026 — Just in time for summer, the Experiences That Matter Foundation (ETM Foundation) is partnering with Chick-fil-A South Loop for a week-long fundraiser from June 22–27, 2026, marking the official kickoff to the organization’s 2026 summer mobile vision clinic tour. A portion of proceeds from qualifying purchases — made via the Chick-fil-A mobile app or in-restaurant dining — will directly benefit their 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign, which provides free comprehensive eye exams and same-day prescription glasses to uninsured and underinsured children ages 3–18 across Chicago and surrounding communities.

The fundraiser week culminates with a Community Showcase on Saturday, June 27th from 12:00–1:30 PM at the Chick-fil-A South Loop location. The public is invited to stop in, learn about the campaign, and celebrate the launch of a season that will bring the mobile clinic to 20 community and school stops across the Chicago area, with a goal of serving 500 children before the season closes. The first guests to arrive at the showcase will receive a complimentary pair of co-branded Perfect Vision Campaign and Chick-fil-A sunglasses.

“One in four school-age children has a vision problem significant enough to affect how they learn — and most of their families have no way to address it. We exist to close the gap. This partnership with Chick-fil-A South Loop is about meeting our community where they already are and making it easy to do something meaningful. Every qualifying order made June 22nd through the 27th directly supports free eye exams and same-day glasses for children across Chicago. On June 27th, we'll be on-site to celebrate with the community and show exactly where those dollars go. This is what it looks like when good food and clear vision come together." 

— Dinai Yelverton, Founder & CEO, Experiences That Matter Foundation


“At Chick-fil-A South Loop, we believe in more than serving great food — we believe in serving the community we're part of. When we learned about the work the Experiences That Matter Foundation is doing to bring free vision care to Chicago's kids, we reached out because we knew we wanted to be involved. Every child in this city deserves to see clearly, and if our restaurant can help make that happen, that's what community is all about. We hope the whole South Loop comes out and makes this week count.”

— Kareem Edwards, Owner & Operator, Chick-fil-A South Loop

Why Vision Health Can’t Wait

Vision problems are among the most common — and most overlooked — barriers to learning for Chicago’s children. Studies show that one in four school-age children has a vision problem significant enough to affect academic performance, yet many families lack access to the eye care they need. For children in under-resourced communities, an undetected vision issue can mean years of struggle in the classroom before anyone realizes the child simply cannot see.

The 2020 Perfect Vision Campaign was built to close that gap. Operating as a mobile clinic that travels directly to schools and community organizations, ETM Foundation removes every barrier — no insurance required, no co-pay, no waiting weeks for an appointment. Children receive a comprehensive eye exam and, if needed, a brand-new pair of prescription glasses fabricated on-site and ready the same day.

A Summer Built for Sight: The 2026 Tour Season

The Chick-fil-A South Loop fundraiser serves as the financial launchpad for ETM Foundation’s most ambitious summer yet. Beginning with its first summer stop on July 23, 2026, the mobile clinic will travel to locations across Chicago and the surrounding region, providing free vision care to children who may otherwise go an entire school year without an eye exam.

Confirmed 2026 public summer tour stops include:

  • Thursday, July 23rd: Willow Creek Care Center | South Barrington | 3pm-7pm
  • Friday, July 24th: One Family Illinois | University Village | 9am-1pm
  • Saturday, July 25th: New Life Covenant Southeast Legacy Center | Grand Crossing | 12pm-4pm
  • Sunday, July 26th: Fellowship Chicago | Fuller Park | 9am-1pm
  • Sunday, August 2nd: BBF Family Services | North Lawndale | 12pm-4pm
  • Saturday, August 8th: Mission of Our Lady of the Angels | Humboldt Park | 12pm-4pm
  • Sunday, August 9th: Home of Life Community Development | West Garfield Park | 12pm-4pm
  • Sunday, August 23rd: 75th Street Fresh Food Market: Park Manor | 1pm-4pm
  • Saturday, August 29th: Black & Bronze Fest | Bronzeville | 1pm - 7pm


How to Support the Campaign

Dine and donate (June 22–27): Visit Chick-fil-A South Loop and order via the mobile app or in-restaurant. A portion of qualifying proceeds will be donated to ETM Foundation. Just mention PVC in person or use code PVC2026 in the mobile app

Attend the Showcase (June 27, 12:00–1:30 PM): Join us at Chick-fil-A South Loop to meet the team, hear stories, and receive a complimentary pair of PVC x CFA sunglasses (while supplies last).

Spread the word: Share on social media and tag @etmfoundation. Every post extends the reach of the campaign and puts more glasses on more kids.

Give directly: Can’t make it in person? Donations are welcome at www.perfectvisioncampaign.com. A gift of $40 covers one child’s full exam and glasses.

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