[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2075

Sun May 17 20:35:36 UTC 2026

May 17, 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: 2075

Dear Federation Family,

On May 16, 2026, the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina and
the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind held their
respective second quarter board meetings at the Federation Center. During
the NFB of SC meeting, I clarified that we have $3,190 documented for SUN
Shares from the January 10, 2026 Statewide Seminar. We will determine how
many pledges were paid and send the appropriate amount for the Honor Roll
Call. Assistant Director Andrew Adams provided an update from Successful
Transitions, noting an excellent Leadership Camp which took place in early
May. Students benefitted from team-building activities and the positive
philosophy of the NFB. Other topics included final roundup on Midlands
Gives, State Convention updates, membership updates, Federation Center
updates, and other relevant topics. We appreciate the visitors who were with
us and particularly appreciate Past President, Frank Coppel, and his lovely
wife, Shelley.

There is a correction to the final total to Midlands Gives reported last
week. The NFB of SC brought in $1,017 from donors and Rocky Bottom brought
in $1,500. However, Rocky Bottom won the Power Hour which will add $2,000 to
the final total. Thanks to everyone who participated in these fundraisers.

The NFB of SC Board determined affiliate donations to the Kenneth Jernigan
Fund which supports first-time convention attendees, White Cane Fund which
supports the general fund of the NFB, and the Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund
which supports the facilities of the NFB. SUN Shares donations were reported
above. If any chapter or division would like to also contribute along with
the affiliate, please let Marty know by Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Mail checks made out to the NFB of SC to the Federation Center of the Blind
with what the donation is for in the Memo field.

>From Sonia Timmons, SCPOBC Leader

The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was able to support
five families with a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National
Convention in Austin, Texas this July, made possible through the generosity
of the Penny Duffy Fund. The fund was established in loving memory of Penny
Duffy and her deep passion for the National Convention, providing financial
assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to attend so they can
experience the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued so
deeply. There is an opportunity to help families in our state and beyond. To
support the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes:
(1) Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, or (2) Eone Bradley Watch. Each entry is a $20
donation per prize. The fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through May 31,
2026. To participate, go to
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NY
s/edit>
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBeEcUknBFiYpHdPlSPheU_XIm9N84eFkDahlG39NYs
/edit. 

>From Andrew Adams, Fundraising Committee Chair

The Fundraising Committee would like to congratulate our National Convention
Sponsorship Fund recipients, Patrice Williams, Karen Davis, and Marvin
Nelson. Through the generosity and support of our fundraising efforts, these
sponsorship funds help offset the cost of attending National Convention.
Thanks to everyone who supported these fundraisers!

>From Shelley Coppel, Senior Division President

In March of 2026, I became aware of an opportunity for our Senior Division
to have a possible impact in Washington D.C. to gain more funding for
Rehabilitation agencies serving the blind. This funding would be in the area
of serving the Older Blind Programs, which have been woefully underfunded
for years. Only 15 volunteers were needed, and I am proud to say two of our
seniors stepped up. Through a contribution from our National Senior
Division, and the help of our own South Carolina Senior Division, Patrice
Williams, First Vice President, and James Byers were our representatives.
With confidence and determination, they booked their flights, found
transportation to the airport, and lobbied at the House Appropriations
Committee on May 12-13, 2026. Thanks to Patrice and James for your
willingness to step up and help in this very important cause.

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
web form 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: engaging guest
speakers, opportunities to connect, 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. Join us 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:

*	Chapter and Division contributions to affiliate donation funds are
due by Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
*	National Convention Early Bird Registration closes on May 31, 2026.
*	Penny Duffy Fundraiser closes 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.
*	NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13-16, 2026.
*	Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during
the state convention.
*	Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the
conclusion of the state convention.

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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