[Blind-rollers] Imagination Fund 2008 Message from Chairman

[David Andrews]

Greetings Friends and Colleagues: 
 
I am very fortunate to have been asked by President Maurer to again chair our Imagination Fund campaign.  With Dr. Maurer’s leadership, we have assembled a magnificent planning committee.  We have a core of committed Federationists working to plan our upcoming March for Independence - The Walk for Opportunity.  Again, this year, we have assembled an amazing group to work with all of us to develop an unprecedented million-dollar Imagination Fund drive.  
 
A few years ago, when this campaign was started, Dr. Maurer, Dr. Zaborowski, myself, and some others imagined a time when the Imagination Fund would raise one million dollars.  We thought maybe five or six years.  We were wrong, the time has come.  This year WE WILL raise one million dollars.  Building from last year’s most successful Imagination Fund campaign ever, culminating with an invigorating March for Independence, this will be the year that we shine forth.  This must be the year that we all set our sights on the million-dollar goal and commit to being on the team that raises one million dollars for our great organization and all of the great work that we do.  
 
This year’s Imagination Fund campaign will culminate in a fantastic March for Independence in Dallas on July 2.  It will again be one of the high points of our annual convention.  I believe that in addition to the banquet and the presidential report, our March for Independence will be an event we Federationists look forward to each year.  Come to Dallas to be a part of the national convention.  Come, join us for the March for Independence - The Walk for Opportunity, and raise your money!  Raise your money!
 
When you help raise money by working for the Imagination Fund, you help change lives; yours, mine, the lives of blind kids, the lives of seniors who are losing vision at a more rapid rate than ever before.  You can help fund dreams and possibilities.  Everyone can get behind this effort.  Show the country what you can do.  The Imagination Fund is a deserving project.  Whether you gather up change at your chapter, or ask some of your friends to contribute on your behalf to sponsor your entrance in the March, your effort is essential and appreciated.
 
The convention and March for Independence is closer than you think, so begin your work now.  Remember, this past year each affiliate received a share of $580,000.00.  Will you please pledge to raise at least $250.00 each and join our March for Independence the Walk for Opportunity this July 2 in Dallas, Texas?  A $250.00 individual goal is not out of reach for any of us who truly care about the vital work we do.  Once you get started, you will find that it will be fun and exhilarating.  
 
Did you know that anyone who raises $1000 or more will be awarded a special collector’s gold medallion?  Ninety-seven Federationists made it to the medallion level during this past campaign. We thank them. These medallion NFB support seekers were honored during the ceremonies at the 2007 March for Independence. In 2008, we will again have impressive ceremonies and I hope we triple the number of names we call out in  appreciation of great work for the movement. Some of you may wish to set your goal at the $1000.00 medallion level.  You truly can do this.  Challenge yourself.  
 
Even if you cannot come to Dallas, you can form a team and participate as a virtual marcher.  We would be happy to teach you more about team building, virtual marching, and fundraising.  You can build your own personal page at marchforindependence.org.  You can post pictures on your page.  You can tell your personal story.  Tell them of the unemployment rate we face, how we are the voice of the nation’s blind, changing the world.  We are bringing more Braille into the lives of blind kids.  How their donation makes a difference.  We are the trendsetters. We are the technology builders developing extraordinary products such as KNFB Reader. You, your friends, and family will make the difference.  You can proclaim to the world through the World Wide Web why the NFB is important to you and those you know and care about.  Then, invite friends, family members, colleagues, and others you meet throughout your days to visit your personal page at <http://www.marchforindependence.org/>www.marchforindependence.org.  Ask them to support your goal by contributing right there at your page.  If you are not tech savvy, get in touch with Kristi Bowman or me by phone or e-mail, and we will be glad to help you build your own Web page. Why not make this year’s Million Dollar Imagination Fund quest one of your local chapters principal projects? Pick one or two chapter members. Ask them to take some leadership by promoting the campaign at every meeting. They can be the members that bring the mini march cards. They can be the ones that facilitate the sharing of ideas; the success stories. Those in your chapters who can't come to the convention can certainly become star contributors. Your Imagination Fund team is also asking that at least a few affiliates take this project and make it one of your very highest priorities. Nurture it, promote it, proclaim it! If we do these things, we can be a part of Federation history.
 
Be a part of something extraordinary.  See how many people you can get to invest in our Imagination Fund...to invest in you.  You could be the star fundraiser of the year.  People will invest in you and our cause when they hear from you, but you must ask them to support you and this exceptional organization; so ask for their support.  Tell them of our work.  Be the Imaginator of the Year.
 
Make your commitment now; today.  Let us work together to make this happen.  You can be a part of our first ever million-dollar Imagination Fund drive.  You can make the difference.  I look forward to speaking with each and every one of you.  We can do this together.  We can provide you literature about the movement that can help.  We can help you set your own personal goal.  We can help you build your own personal page.  We can send you our Imagination Fund mini march cards that are so great for handing out as you seek donations of support.  We can make this happen.  God bless you and thank you.
 
At Your Service,
 
Kevan Worley, Chairman
Imagination Fund/March for Independence