[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2074

Mon May 11 00:42:31 UTC 2026

May 10, 2026

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: 2074

Dear Federation Family,

Today is Mother's Day and we honor all of the mothers who have gone before
us and are with us today! Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of
May each year in the United States. This holiday honors mothers and mother
figures for their love, sacrifice, and guidance. The modern holiday was
founded by Anna Jarvis, who held the first official Mother's Day celebration
in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia, in memory of her own mother. By 1914,
President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making it a national holiday.
Common ways to celebrate include giving flowers, cards, and gifts, as well
as spending quality time with family. Carnations, particularly white ones,
have long been a symbol of the day.

Several Federationists gathered at the Federation Center of the Blind
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 for our annual Power Hour competition for Rocky Bottom
Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind. The National Federation of the
Blind of South Carolina no longer competes for the Power Hour because we are
categorized in the large non-profit category which means we are up against
stiff competition. RBRCCB is still in the medium sized category and can
compete well here. For the past two years, we won the Nelson Mullins Midday
Motivational Giving Award which means we came in second place to St.
Joseph's Catholic School. This year, we successfully won the Power Hour with
a total of 70 unique donations and total donations of $1,000. The NFB of SC
also brought in $1,000. Serious improvements to the platform allowed screen
reader users to enter donations quickly and efficiently! Thanks to all who
came out and participated as well as those who cheered us on!

Congratulations to Patrick Ordonez of the Belvedere Chapter and Kameron
Tompkins of the Greenville Chapter on receiving Kenneth Jernigan
scholarships to assist with attending their first National Convention. These
young men are up-and-coming leaders in the NFB of SC and this is an
outstanding investment in their future work. I cannot wait to hear their
thoughts on the other side of the convention!

The Computer Science & Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Federation
of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack Fundraiser
with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention. Tickets are
priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for six, and $30 for eight. The
prize package includes a technology backpack, talking meat and infrared
thermometers, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash drive, a Bluetooth speaker,
a surge protector, and a home license copy of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion. Ten
percent of funds raised will support a student scholarship. Winners do not
need to be present, as prizes can be shipped. To enter, complete the online
webform and submit payment via PayPal, check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If
using PayPal, be sure to note Technology Backpack Fundraiser in the notes
section. Mail checks to Steve Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

The NFB of South Carolina Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza
fundraiser with a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place
Sunday morning, August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and
you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for
three. Half of the funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half
to the Senior Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at
803-796-8662, 303-819-9795, or  <mailto:Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com>
Frankandshelley51 at gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable
to the NFB of SC Senior Division with "Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser" in the
memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia,
SC 29169.

You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina State Convention, an exciting annual event that brings
together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates, and
community members from across the state for a weekend of learning,
networking, and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to
the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone, including
engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect with others, exhibits
featuring helpful products and services, and time for fun and fellowship.
The event will take place August 13-16, 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton
located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. All are encouraged to attend
and be part of this empowering, life-changing experience as we work together
to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more
information or to register, visit  <http://www.NFBofSC.org> www.NFBofSC.org
and select "State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration."

The Doubletree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August
13-16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles -
$134; triples - $144 and quads - $154 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book online at
<https://hil.tn/lkz9ef> https://hil.tn/lkz9ef. You may also call
800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for
these special rates is Thursday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when
booking your room:

*	The first night's stay will be charged at time of booking.
*	When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card used for the
entire stay.
*	There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.

It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a
debit card means that the funds in your checking account will have these
holds placed on them as well.

2026 NFB of SC Student Scholarships

The 2026 NFB of SC Scholarship Program is now open. The state convention
will be held August 13-16, 2026, and all application materials must be
submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on June 20, 2026. As in recent years, the
committee will select the top three applicants, who will be notified about
one month before the convention. The updated application is available online
at  <http://www.nfbofsc.org> www.nfbofsc.org. Please remember that the
scholarship program is funded entirely by donations. If you or your chapter
would like to sponsor a scholarship or contribute to the Dorothy C.
Barksdale Metro Fund, contact Shannon Cook at 803-605-4250 or via email at
<mailto:scholarships at nfbofsc.org> scholarships at nfbofsc.org. Finally, help us
spread the word-if you or someone you know is enrolled full time in school,
encourage them to apply.

National Convention Registration Now Open

Early bird registration for the National Convention is now open. Go to
<https://www.nfb.org/convention> https://www.nfb.org/convention to register.
The cost is $25 and banquet tickets are $85 for those who plan to attend the
banquet.

Things to Remember:

*        National Convention Early Bird Registration closes on May 31, 2026.

*        NFB of SC Student Scholarship applications due by 11:59 PM on June
20, 2026.

*        NFB of SC Fundraiser ends on June 21, 2026.

*        Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC
State Convention ends on July 22, 2026.

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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