[Nfbwv-talk] Fw: National Federation of the Blind Brings Braille Silver Dollar to the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention

[Karen McDonald]

I know that several of you are on different NFB lists, but I wanted all of 
you on the NFBWV list to see this message so pardon me if  you have already 
seen it.

Karen


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Schroeder, Fredric" <FSchroeder at nfb.org>
To: "Schroeder, Fredric" <FSchroeder at nfb.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 3:08 PM
Subject: National Federation of the Blind Brings Braille Silver Dollar to 
the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention


Dear Committee Members,

 Please feel free to distribute the below information to any you think
might be interested. This partnership will give us a great opportunity
to spread awareness of the literacy crisis, and will facilitate higher
coin sales.

Fred Schroeder



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Public Relations Specialist

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org




National Federation of the Blind Brings Braille Silver Dollar
to the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention




Baltimore, Maryland (November 5, 2008): The National Federation of the
Blind (NFB)-the country's leading promoter of Braille literacy-has
announced the most significant initiative ever launched to support
literacy for the blind.  The Braille Readers Are Leaders campaign
(www.braille.org) will raise $8 million for Braille literacy programs.
The initiative is based on sales of the Louis Braille commemorative
silver dollar (to be issued by the U.S. Mint in spring 2009) plus
matching fundraising.



The National Federation of the Blind has partnered with Whitman Coin and
Collectibles Conventions (www.whitmanexpo.com) to promote this
initiative among coin collectors.  The Baltimore Coin and Currency
Convention is one of the nation's premier collectibles shows, open to
the public and attracting more than 10,000 visitors three times per
year.  Whitman also runs a show each Fall in Atlanta.



Visitors to the November 20-22 show at the Baltimore Convention Center
will be greeted by large posters featuring the Braille dollar's design.
The coin has a portrait of Louis Braille, who invented the reading and
writing system that bears his name, and a scene of a blind child reading
a book.  The word "Braille" is actually embossed on the coin in Braille.




The National Federation of the Blind will have a booth at the
convention.  Collectors can learn more about this special silver dollar,
which is limited to a 400,000 mintage of coins.  NFB volunteers will
introduce the organization to coin collectors with programs including a
Braille reading demonstration.  Visitors can sign up for updates about
the coin and the Braille Readers Are Leaders campaign and to learn more
about how they can support the NFB's mission.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind said,
"We are pleased to be presenting a preview of the Louis Braille
commemorative coin at the Whitman Baltimore Coin and Currency
Convention.  The convention offers us a valuable opportunity to share
our knowledge about Braille literacy and information about the
first-ever readable Braille coin."



The November 20-22 Whitman Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention has
free admission and free educational forums.  Members of hobby clubs such
as the Baltimore Coin Club, the Maryland State Numismatic Association,
and the federally chartered American Numismatic Association will be at
the show.  Friendly coin dealers are ready to answer questions, so
visitors can bring in their coins and paper money and seek free
appraisals.  "Kid's Korner" activities for young collectors start at 10
a.m. on Friday and Saturday; children age six to fourteen who attend
will go home with free coins and prizes.



The show hours are 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, and 10-6 p.m. on Friday and
Saturday.  For more information on Baltimore Coin and Currency
Convention activities, please visit WhitmanExpo.com.  For more
information on the NFB's Braille Readers Are Leaders program, please
visit www.braille.org.



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