[NFBMI-Talk] Preconvention highlight: Fundraising for the Federation Fire Challenge starts today, 10/26/2024!

[nfbofmi at gmail.com]

Good day Everyone,

 

We're excited to share details about a thrilling new event happening at this
year's state convention: the Federation Fire Challenge! Inspired by the
popular "Hot Ones" challenge, this is a fun and fiery fundraiser aimed at
supporting our upcoming Washington Seminar in February 2025.

 

What is the Federation Fire Challenge?

For those unfamiliar, "Hot Ones" is a trivia challenge where participants
test their ability to handle increasingly spicy sauces while answering
questions. Our version, the Federation Fire Challenge, will be a friendly
competition that starts after the banquet on Saturday, November 2, in the
hospitality suite, (The Upjohn Suite Room 937) on the ninth floor.
Participants will be tasked with eating wings dipped in progressively hotter
sauces while keeping the conversation going.

 

The event is more than just a fun challenge-it's part of our statewide
fundraising efforts for this year's convention. Participants will be
gathering pledges to support the costs associated with attending the 2025
Washington Seminar, including transportation and hotel expenses.

 

How You Can Support

-Pledge Collection: Starting today, October 26, we encourage everyone to
collect pledges to support their local chapter or division.

- Raising Awareness: While discussing the Federation's important work in
Washington, feel free to mention the efforts happening locally and
regionally. Sharing these successes often boosts pledge support from those
unfamiliar with our mission.

- Withstanding the heat: while you are discussing the work that the NFBMI
affiliate is doing, tell supporters about the hot sauces involved in the
Federation challenge and how you plan to overcome them!

- Invite Others: Please extend an invitation to anyone interested in our
organization and the challenge by sharing the convention registration link
at www.nfbmi.org/convention

 

Event Details

- Challenge Timing: The activity will take place in the Upjohn Suite right
after the banquet on Saturday, November 2.

- Provided Items: Our convention hotel restaurant is generously providing
food and beverages for the challenge, including wings, sauces, and
essentials like milk for those who might need a break from the heat.

- Participation: Representatives and other participants will have priority
seating, but there will be space for onlookers to cheer on the brave
challengers.

 

Key Rules for the Challenge

- Pledge Opportunities: Throughout the convention, representatives can pitch
for pledge support during key events like the Friday night karaoke, Saturday
morning's general session, and Saturday evening's banquet.

- Cash Only: All pledges must be collected in cash. If someone prefers to
pay by card, please suggest using the hotel's ATM.

- Challenge Levels: The Federation Fire Challenge has ten levels of sauce
intensity, and everyone will start at level one, progressing together.

- Opt-Out Option: If the heat becomes too overwhelming, participants can opt
out at any time.

- Immunity Option: Chapters or divisions that collect $750 in pledges can
use an immunity buyout, allowing them to skip the challenge if they choose.

 

Who's Participating?

We have a great lineup of representatives from various chapters and
divisions taking part in this challenge:

- Gina Rowell - Detroit Chapter

- Felecia Bradford - Flint Genesee Chapter

- Donna Posont - New Wayne County Chapter

- Qualik Ford - Capital Region Chapter

- Jerusalem Crawley - Michigan Association of Blind Students

- Everette Bacon - Blind Michigan Seniors Advocating for Seniors

- Sanho Steele-Louchart - At Large Chapter

- Shawn Williams - Kalamazoo Chapter

 

This is an exciting time for us, as the Kalamazoo Chapter is being reformed
over the convention weekend, with the Flint Genesee Chapter showing strong
leadership in support. Your NFBMI affiliate president will be joining the
challenge himself, so no one faces the heat alone!

 

If you want to watch an example of the Hot ones Challenge hosted by the
YouTube Channel First we feast, then watch the episode where Ariana Grande
tackles the challenge using the below link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPAke2nPKDU

 

If you have any questions about the Federation Fire Challenge, feel free to
reach out to president Robert Parsons by calling him at (269) 216-8640. We
look forward to sharing this fun and impactful experience with all of you!

 

Best Regards,

Your NFBMI Communications Team