Founder's Circle of Braille Institute

We are very excited to tell you about this year's Founder's Circle project because we believe the children we serve will touch your heart.

Founder's Circle members support vital projects and programs that might go unfunded without their special support. In fact, the Founder's Circle project is selected annually by Braille Institute's Chairman of the Board because of its importance to our organization.

This year, the Founder's Circle will support Braille Institute Child Development Services

Established in 1983, Child Development Services helps to create a positive start in life for blind and visually impaired infants, toddlers and their families and is built upon the understanding that vision is profoundly integrated with all aspects of a child's development.

The importance of vision to early learning cannot be overstated -it is estimated to influence learning by as much as 80%. Since blind and visually impaired children must use alternate or supplemental means for learning about the world around them, it is not uncommon for them to be delayed in developing muscle control, coordination and speech skills.

Our program focuses on children 0-5 years of age -the most critical time to make permanent changes in the visual behavior of children.

In 2007 we assisted 226 children and families through this vital service, but funding is critically needed to help defray this program's operating expenses-nearly $800,000 each year. You can imagine how much extra care and attention blind children require to aid in their development -and proper time and attention requires a significant investment of funds. Of course, all Braille Institute programs and services are provided free of charge, and we are almost entirely dependent upon donations for the support of this and all Braille Institute programs.

Your commitment as a Founder's Circle member will allow Braille Institute to continue a tradition that means the world to blind and visually impaired children.

To become a 2008 Founder's Circle member, we are asking you for a gift of at least $1,000, to be paid by December 31, 2008. You can send a check or charge your gift to a major credit card.

Though we are aware that no one who supports Braille Institute as a Founder's Circle member does so for "benefits," we want you to know that your membership with a gift of $1,000 or more includes a Certificate of Membership, publication of your name in the donor recognition section of our annual report, and an invitation to a special Braille Institute event.

If for any reason you are unable to join us at the $1,000 level, please know that any contribution you make is appreciated and will help us realize our goal of helping children without sight.

For more information about how to become a Founder's Circle member, please contact our Office of Development and Planned Giving.
Office of Development & Planned Giving
Braille Institute of America, Inc.
741 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90029
Phone: 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553), Ext. 1256
FAX: (323) 663-1428
E-mail: plangift@brailleinstitute.org
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday

Related Links:

Child Development Services – Learn more about how Braille Institute’s Child Development Services coaches families in how to care for and raise children who are blind and visually impaired.

What to Give – Beyond the immediate donation there are many ways to show your support of Braille Institute’s mission.

A Bequest for Braille Institute - Leaving a bequest through your will or trust is easy.