Broadview Resident Collects Over 300 Eyeglasses for Lions Club
Judith Goldman Inspired by a Lifetime of Service and a Remarkable Love Story
Purchase, NY — Residents at Broadview at Purchase College are helping people see more clearly thanks to one neighbor’s initiative. Resident Judith Goldman recently collected more than 300 pairs of eyeglasses for the Lions Clubs International vision recycling program, turning a small community effort into a meaningful contribution for people in need across the United States.
But behind this achievement is a lifetime shaped by generosity, resilience, and an extraordinary partnership with her late husband, philanthropist Mannie Cornman.
Goldman’s connection to the Lions Club began years ago, when she accompanied Mannie—who was blind in one eye—to a Visions summer camp for children and adults with low vision. The experience changed her life.
“I sat in the car and cried for twenty minutes,” Goldman recalls. “Seeing children and adults navigating the camp with guide dogs and handrails… it moved me in a way I’ll never forget.”
Mannie, a successful businessman with no children of his own, dedicated much of his life and fortune to supporting Visions. After his passing, Goldman continued his legacy, helping manage his foundation and donating a pontoon boat—affectionately named the HMS Mannie—to the camp so blind children and adults could enjoy fishing on the lake.
Today, Goldman honors that legacy through her work with the Lions Club, which supports Visions and other vision-related initiatives. Her recent eyeglass drive at Broadview at Purchase College resulted in more than 300 donated pairs, which will be cleaned, sorted, and distributed to people in need across the United States, including Native American reservations and underserved rural communities.
“Something as small as an old pair of glasses can change someone’s life,” Goldman said. “Most people don’t realize how much need exists right here in our own country.”
Goldman’s commitment to service extends far beyond the Lions Club. She has brought programs such as laughing yoga to her community, donated tickets to local ballet performances, and supported arts organizations connected to her family. Her son, David, a successful entertainment professional, continues the family tradition by donating DJ services to group homes and Feeding Westchester events.
Her story is also one of love. Goldman married Mannie on his 100th birthday—a celebration held at a historic Brooklyn winery, complete with drone photography and virtual-reality stations. “He wanted to leave his apartment to my son and put my name on the foundation,” she said. “Getting married made it easier to carry out his wishes. It was the right thing to do.”
Now, with hundreds of eyeglasses collected and more community projects planned, Goldman hopes her story inspires others.
“My father always taught me: the best charity is the kind no one sees,” she said. “But sometimes, sharing the story helps others find their own way to give.”
About the Lions Club
The Lions Club is a global service organization dedicated to supporting vision health, community service, youth programs, and humanitarian aid. Their eyeglass recycling program provides millions of people worldwide with access to corrective lenses.
