[NFBofSC] positive Note 1977

[president at nfbofsc.org]

June 30, 2024

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

Positive Note 1977

843-939-8091   <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> president at nfbofsc.org 

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

July 4 is recognized as the birthday of the United States of America. On
this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was presented which
effectively severed the United States' political connection to Great
Britain. Most of the members of the Second Continental Congress signed the
document on August 2, 1776, placing everything they valued at risk if the
United States lost the war. Though our country has many challenges today,
the United States is still the greatest nation on earth and the best place
to live. Happy Independence Day!

 

The National Federation of the Blind was born on November 16, 1940 in
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Just as the colonists sought freedom from the
oppression of Great Britain, so blind people sought the full rights afforded
to every American under the constitution. This week, Federationists from
across the country and around the world will gather in Orlando, Florida to
celebrate our accomplishments and determine what needs to take place in the
future. Approximately 70 South Carolinians will be there in-person with many
first-timers from the South Carolina affiliate. The virtual experience is
still available. If you need assistance with connecting to the virtual
experience, please go to
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=595>
https://nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=595. 

 

Each year, thousands of Federation members and friends contribute before and
during National Convention to various funds that support blind people. We
still need your generosity to fund our great programs in 2024 and beyond.
When you give $25.00 or more between May 16th and July 6th by 5:00 p.m.
eastern time, you will be entered into the Dream Big: Give $25 Drive
Drawing. Each $25.00 dollar increment is a chance to win. Why "Dream Big?"
We know there are no limits to what blind people can accomplish and together
we'll make our dreams a reality. For more information or to make a donation
go to  <https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-25>
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/give-25.

 

After careful consideration, We will cancel Palmetto Connects for July 2,
2024. If it is possible to reschedule after the national convention, we will
do so.

 

We are excited to feature a youth track at the NFB of SC State Convention
this year! Sonia Timmons, SC Association of Parents of Blind Children
Committee Chair, and Andrena Corder, Director of Successful Transitions, are
working hard to have a full youth track to engage our young Federationists
in the convention. There will be special activities for the youth who will
also serve as talking signs and participate in other integral functions.
Please encourage students and other young Federationists to attend this
year!

 

The Palmetto Convention Grant is offered again this year for first-time
in-person state convention attendees. To qualify for a Palmetto Convention
Grant, the applicant must be .         

.        A dues-paying member in good standing

.        Registered for the NFB of SC state convention

.        Registered to stay at the convention hotel

.        A first time in-person attendee 

 

A completed application packet includes . 

*	The completed application itself
*	A letter of recommendation from an NFB of SC chapter or division
president.
*	A personal letter 

 

The application deadline is tonight at 11:59 p.m. Please spread the word to
chapter and divisions to allow everyone the opportunity to apply. For
questions, call Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or send an email to
secretary at nfbofsc.org.

 

Lenora Robertson will once again serve as the Door Prize Chair for the NFB
of SC State Convention. Cash and gift cards are always favorite items. You
can purchase gift cards from the At Large chapter in the amount of $25 or
greater. Please bring your door prize contributions to the convention or you
can mail them to Lenora Robertson, 1258 Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC
29732. Let's have an abundance of door prizes to share at the state
convention.

 

The Embassy Suites is now accepting reservations for the National Federation
of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held on August 15-18,
2024. Rooms can be booked at $112 plus tax and any applicable fees for
singles, doubles, triples and quads. You may call the Embassy Suites at
803-252-8700. Reference the NFB of SC State Convention to obtain the special
rate. Members are not being charged the first night's room; instead, a hold
is placed on your card until check-in. The cut-off for room reservations is
July 25, 2024.

 

Registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
State Convention is now live!  The cost is $85 for adults, $55 for students
and $25 for children under eighteen. These prices all adjust upward after
July 25, 2024. Please visit  <https://nfbofsc.org/node/178>
https://nfbofsc.org/node/178 to register online. If you need assistance to
register online, , please contact me and someone will assist you.

 

>From Lori Anne Coley, President, Sports and Recreation Division

Our Sports and Rec fundraiser is extended to August, coinciding with the
state convention. All purchased tickets remain valid. Purchase $20 tickets
for a chance to win big, including a $750 and a $250 giveaway. Contributions
support our Sports Camp Week for the Blind at Rocky Bottom Retreat and
Conference Center of the Blind in Upstate South Carolina. Led by the NFBSC
Sports and Rec Division, our mission is inclusive sports. Purchase tickets
via PayPal at  <https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc>
https://www.paypal.me/sportrecnfbsc or Zelle at srnfbsc21 at yahoo.com. Goal:
sell 100+ tickets by August 17, 2024, with the drawing at the state
convention. Spread the word! For more information, contact Lori Anne Coley
at 803-316-9838.

 

>From the SC Association of Black Leaders

The SC Association of Black Leaders is thrilled to announce that we are
extending our coffee basket fundraiser to the State Convention in August!
The basket includes 1 tin of hot chocolate, three flavors of Starbucks
coffee, two NFB tumblers, and a $25 gift card. Tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for
$10, every $20 spent earns you an entry to win a Keurig! Purchase tickets at
the NFB of SC PayPal or by sending a check or money order to the Federation
Center at 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205, noting "coffee basket"
in the memo field.

 

Things to Remember

*	Palmetto Scholarship Applications are due by June 30, 2024
*	National Convention dates are July 3-8, 2024.
*	NFB of SC State Convention Registration and Room Reservations are
due by July 25, 2024.

 

 

Marty

 

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

 

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