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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>April 22, 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From: Frank Coppel, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1758<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> This past Saturday, April 18, the spring meetings of the RBRCCB and the NFB of SC Board of Directors were held via the Zoom platform. There was an excellent turnout for both of these meetings as we had nearly 100 percent of the RBRCCB Board of Directors in attendance and 100 percent of the NFB of SC Board of Directors present. We also had an excellent turnout of federation members who are not on either board, but who participated actively in both meetings. This was the first attempt conducting board meetings in this fashion and I am certain it will not be the last. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> As a result of Covid 19, Rocky Bottom has received little or no income during the past couple of months. The RBRCCB board extensively discussed ways to raise funds in an effort to alleviate this financial crisis. Ideas discussed were to continue seeking Walmart foundation grants, revamping the Fun Day Festival, and again participating in Midland Gives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> What is Midlands Gives?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation, Midlands Gives is an 18-hour online giving event that brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits in 11 Midlands counties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> When is Midlands Gives? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Midlands Gives will take place online on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, from 6:00 am to 11:59:59 pm, Eastern Time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> How does it work?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Central Carolina Community Foundation has set up an online giving platform at MidlandsGives.org with searchable profiles of participating nonprofits. All donations will be processed through this website, which allows nonprofits and donors to track the giving on May 5th via the site’s leaderboards. If you would like to donate to Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center, click on the below link.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>https://www.midlandsgives.org/rockybottom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you would like to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of SC (NFB of SC), click on the below<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>https://www.midlandsgives.org/NFBOFSC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> If you would like to donate to the NFB of SC please do so, however, because of its financial situation, we will be concentrating heavily on raising funds to meet the ongoing needs at Rocky Bottom. If you are uncomfortable using a computer to make a donation or do not have one available, you can call on Tuesday, May 5, and we will assist you with your donation. We will be especially working hard to raise the most unique contributions between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. The non-profit organization who receives the most unique contributions during this hour will also receive an additional $2,000 for their group. As we did last year, I am asking the six state board districts and state wide divisions to compete among themselves to see who can secure the most unique contributions for Rocky Bottom. A trophy will be presented to the district or division who secures the highest number of unique contributions during Midlands Gives on May 5. Recognition of this accomplishment will be announced at our 2020 state convention in North Charleston. Last year, we recognized district five for securing the most unique contributions and Successful Transitions for raising the most money. I am asking all chapter presidents to please work closely with your district board representative and share this information with your members. I fully understand this is a very difficult time financially for many people. However, I would like to strongly encourage all of us to do what we can to spread this information to neighbors, friends, and family an effort to financially support Rocky Bottom and the NFB of SC. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> During the NFB of SC board meeting, a great deal of time was spent discussing the effects of Covid 19 on various programs of the NFB of SC and this year’s state convention logistics as it relates to the ongoing pandemic situation. The state board will meet on Monday evening, June 1, at 7:00 to make a final decision as to what will be the safest and effective way to hold our 2020 state convention. The board also discussed at great length the need to communicate more effectively with our membership during these difficult times. To that end, we will be resuming our NFB of SC Family Connects weekly meetings via the Zoom platform Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. Topics covered will be details regarding the upcoming virtual NFB National Convention, the 2020 NFB of SC state convention, and Midlands Gives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To participate in the meeting call: 929-205-6099 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meeting id: 803-254-3777. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want: blindness is not what holds you back. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Transforming dreams into reality: One good sign of transforming your dreams into reality is how you take an unfortunate situation, being creative and determined, finding a positive way to still pursue your dreams.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>