Founder's Circle of Braille Institute

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’s project supports one of Braille Institute’s most critically needed and frequently used services — FREE transportation for our students.

Quite often, our students tell us that some of the most upsetting news they receive once they are losing their sight is when the doctor tells them they can no longer drive.

As one of our students put it, “When you are told that you can’t drive, it takes away your independence.  You’re left to rely on other people.”

However, through Braille Institute’s FREE transportation services students are able to embrace their independence in other ways.  Children can participate in Braille Institute’s after-school programs.  Young adults can strengthen their future through our Career Services programs.  Older adults, who do not have access to public transportation or who cannot afford private transportation services, can take advantage of all our free independent living skills classes.

Each year, more than a thousand students utilize our FREE transportation services.  As you can imagine, that creates a lot of wear and tear on our vehicles.  In order to ensure the safety of those relying on this service, we must periodically replace those vehicles which are simply worn out.

This year we must replace four vans at a cost of $28,000 each.  That means, to maintain the current level of FREE rides for our students, we must raise $112,000.  But we can only do it with your help.

To become a 2009 Founder's Circle member, we are asking you for a gift of at least $1,000, to be paid by December 31, 2009. 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.

You can also take pride in knowing that you are helping to keep Braille Institute on the road every day, safely picking up and delivering our students so they may live life to the fullest.

If for any reason you are unable to join us at the $1,000 level, please know that any contribution you make will help us realize our goal and work toward the purchase of four new vans.

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:

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.