Vol. 36, No. 2
June 2006
A LETTER FROM OUR FRIENDS
Your Arizona Friends of Talking
Books: “Thank You!”
In the last “Talking Books News” I mentioned the fundraising efforts of the Arizona Friends of Talking Books (AZFTB) board, and our continued commitment toward raising the money necessary for your new, and much improved, Talking Book Library’s digital recording studio. As you may know, state library funding is not nearly enough and the total cost of the conversion ($60,000) has been AZFTB’s top priority for the last 2 years.
On behalf of the AZFTB, it gives me great pleasure to announce we’ve reached our goal! Thanks go out to all the board members for their hard work, dedication and perseverance; to the various companies, associations and organizations contributing to the cause; and MOST especially to individuals like yourself for your very, very generous and never-ending donations. We certainly couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!
All of us who’ve ever contributed to a worthy cause or worked with philanthropy know the job is never done. The Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library will always need our help and new projects will soon arise needing financial support. We at AZFTB do not plan to rest on our laurels.
With that in mind, and based on the success of last year’s inaugural event, we’ll be holding our second annual “Whine and Cheese” silent auction fundraiser on September 29th, 2006 at the University Club in Phoenix. Once again, with tongue in cheek, we’ll be “whining” to all attendees about the importance of giving to this worthy cause. This year we were fortunate enough to reserve the classically trained musical duo “Double Play”, featuring a performer who is himself visually impaired.
Also, we are continuing to accept donations for the “Arizona Talking Book Friend for Life” contribution plaque to be displayed at the Library. This plaque will honor individuals and civic or church groups who fall within four tiers of giving: 1) “Manuscript” – ($250+), 2) “Volume” – ($500+), 3) “Tome” – ($1,000+), and 4) “Book” – ($2,000+). Of course, anonymity will be honored by request.
Finally, you may wonder if there are other ways to contribute. The AZFTB is still a relatively small group and we’re always looking for quality individuals to add to our board. And, don’t forget silent auction items for our aforementioned “Whine and Cheese” fundraiser. Any contribution is welcome and needed, from paintings to airline tickets, baked goods to gift certificates.
If you’re interested in attending our casual “Whine and Cheese” fundraiser featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres, information and entertainment; if you’d like to donate a silent auction item; if you’re interested in joining the AZFTB; or if you simply want to make a donation, please feel free to contact the Talking Book Library at (602) 255-5578, or 1(800) 255-5578.
Thanks again for all your support over the years. We will continue to work hard assisting the Talking Book Library and the needs of its patrons. Likewise, I am very proud to say “we are your Arizona Friends of Talking Books”.
Warmest regards,
Dr. David T. Rockwell
President, Arizona Friends of Talking Books