[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2020

Sun Apr 27 20:11:34 UTC 2025

April 27, 2025

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

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

Positive Note 2020

Dear Federation Family,

Today is the last Sunday of April and May brings a whirlwind of activity for
many people as the school year closes out, graduations take place, churches
hold baccalaureate services to honor their graduates and a myriad of other
things. We are just over two months away from the National Convention which
is the most exciting time in the National Federation of the Blind's yearly
calendar. During this busy season, let us take time to be thankful for the
blessings and opportunities that we have and to look at the positive side of
life. Too often, it is easy to get sidetracked by all of the noise that is
in the media and on social media. Focus your attention to the things that
are good and to the things that we must do collectively to ensure that our
priorities as Federationist are front and center.

Midlands Gives is just a mere nine days away and will take place on May 6,
2025. Once again, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and
Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind are participating.
While we do not have a match this year thus far, we will still use our time
and efforts to leverage this opportunity to fundraise for our beloved
organizations. Rocky Bottom hopes to win the Power Hour from twelve to one
PM on that day by achieving the most unique donations.  Unique donations are
determined by name, address and credit card number, and a minimum ten dollar
donation is required. To be considered a unique donation, two of the three
items can be the same and one must be different. To donate, visit
www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc <http://www.midlandsgives.org/nfbofsc>  or
www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom <http://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom>
. You can also call the Federation Center on May 6, 2025 for assistance
giving online. You may also give $10 through your local chapter and this can
be applied to the Power Hour. Please reach out to Valerie Warrington at
treasurer at nfbofsc.org or to Marty McKenzie for additional information. I am
asking that chapter presidents and other leaders make Midlands Gives a high
priority as we seek donations and matches. Also, think about how you can
personally influence the out come for the Power Hour for Rocky Bottom.

I am currently working with the Doubletree to secure information so that we
can open registration for the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina State Convention. I realize that it is later than usual and I am
attending to it. Working with different hotels does come with different
challenges. I hope to have everything needed to open registration in early
May.

>From Andrew Adams, President of the Columbia Chapter

The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina is hosting a Car Wash and Hot Dog Plate fundraiser on Saturday, May
31, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind in
Columbia. A hot dog plate with sides and a drink costs $15, and a car wash
is also $15. Get both for just $25. All proceeds support the chapter's work.
For details, contact Andrew Adams at 803-269-3803 or Tiffany Mitchell at
803-603-2098.

National Convention Hotel Reservations:

The National Convention will take place July 8-13, 2025 in New Orleans,
Louisiana. The last day to make a reservation in the convention hotel with
discounted rate is May 31, 2025. Currently, there are no rooms in the New
Orleans Marriott. If you plan to attend and have not booked your room,
please do so as soon as possible. The overflow hotel is the Sheraton New
Orleans and you can reserve a room there by calling 855-516-1090. This year,
Janice Bright will assist NFB of SC members who are seeking a roommate to
defray expenses. Please reach out to her at 803-760-3717 or via e-mail at
ms.jlbright at gmail.com <mailto:ms.jlbright at gmail.com> . We appreciate
Janice's assistance with this convention item.

Register Today

Registration is open for the National Federation of the Blind National
Convention. The registration fee is $25. Get access to the latest
information as it is made available. Register for the 2025 National
Convention now! The registration link is
https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37855&qid=11045175> &qid=11045175.

NFB25 Virtual Experience Registration

We are excited to offer opportunities for engagement and connection to
participants who are unable to attend the convention in-person. The Virtual
Experience registration fee is $10. Register for the 2025 National
Convention Virtual Experience at https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=37857&qid=11045175> &qid=11045175.

NFB of SC Scholarship Application Open

Blind high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled full-time
can apply for the NFB of SC Scholarship. Applicants must be legally blind,
have good grades, show involvement in community or NFB activities, and plan
to attend college. Three winners are chosen each year and must attend the
state convention in Columbia, SC from August 14-17, 2025. Hotel and
registration costs are covered. Winners are announced at the Saturday
banquet. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. Apply online at
http://www.nfbofsc.org, where you'll find detailed instructions.

NFB of SC State Convention

I am excited to inform our affiliate that members wishing to make hotel
reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina
State Convention can now do so. The Doubletree by Hilton located at 2100
Bush River Road in Columbia, SC is the convention hotel for 2025. Singles
and doubles are $129 per night, triples are $139 per night and quads are
$149 per night, all plus applicable taxes. These rates include breakfast
coupons for the number of people in your room up to four individuals.
Reservations must be made by July 23, 2025. You may book online at
https://hil.tn/00qbnn or by calling Central Reservations at 866-247-3572.
When calling, ask for the National Federation of the Blind of SC Attendee
Block. Rooms are available between August 12 and 19, 2025 at these rates. We
will let you know when registration for the State Convention is available.

Children's camp

Rocky Bottom Children's Camp will take place from June 15 through June 21,
2025 for blind or low vision children ages 6 to 12. If you would like to
apply or get more information, please call Thom Spittle at 803-331-3344 or
email rockybottominfo at gmail.com <mailto:rockybottominfo at gmail.com> .

Things to remember

*	Midlands Gives closes on May 6, 2025
*	National Convention room reservations due by May 31, 2025
*	National Convention early registration due by May 31, 2025
*	NFB of SC Scholarship applications due by June 20, 2025
*	NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 2025

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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