National Braille Press Hosts “A Million Laughs for Literacy" on Nov. 8

National Braille Press (NBP) will host its annual gala, “A Million Laughs for Literacy” on Nov. 8, 2024, to support its Braille Literacy Programs. This year’s event features the theme “Bringing the World to Your Fingertips” and will be a special celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Children’s Braille Book Club (CBBC), an initiative that has brought the joy of reading to countless blind and visually impaired families across the country. The gala will take place at The 521 Overlook at Fenway Park in Boston.

Since its start, the CBBC has helped families build their own libraries of print-braille books, enabling blind children to read alongside their sighted parents and vice versa. For the first time in history, blind children were able to own and cherish their very own books, fostering early literacy skills that are vital for success in the classroom, the workplace, and in life.

“For forty years, the Children’s Braille Book Club has brought the joy of reading to countless blind and low-vision individuals and families across the globe,” said Brian Mac Donald, President of National Braille Press. “The gala helps provide the funds needed to publish braille books, tactile graphics, and early reading programs and make them more accessible and affordable for blind children and adults. Our gala also provides an evening of great entertainment from the top comedians in our region. We look forward to a fun and fulfilling event.”

The gala will be co-chaired by Mitch Rosen, Founder and CEO of SFV Services and Installed Right and 14-year NBP gala leadership sponsor, and returning co-chair Tom Sullivan, Founder and Owner of Lumber Liquidators and Cabinets to Go.

This year’s laughs will be provided by two local comedic stars, Christine Hurley and Kelly MacFarland, both renowned for their sharp wit and humor.

Christine Hurley is a fan favorite in the Boston comedy scene, known for her hilarious takes on motherhood and marriage and Kelly MacFarland brings an impressive resume, having performed at top comedy festivals and on television. Their unique blend of charm and comedic timing makes them standout performers for this event.

Prior to the comedic performance, the event will feature a program highlighting the importance of braille literacy. Guest speaker will be Thomas J. Wlodkowski, Vice President Accessibility, Comcast NBCUniversal. Throughout his career, Tom has been a pioneer in the accessibility field. Blind himself, he has served as a champion for people with disabilities, working to improve usability of mainstream Internet, mobile, broadcast and cable television technology.

In addition, the gala program will feature the Children’s Braille Book Club Braille All-Stars, children and adults whose lives have been transformed by NBP’s Braille Literacy Programs. Their stories are a testament to the power of literacy and the positive impact the Children’s Braille Book Club has had on their personal and academic lives.

Now in its 97th year, the National Braille Press remains dedicated to ensuring that braille books and tactile graphics are produced at the highest quality and remain affordable for blind children and adults. Braille typically costs three times more to produce than traditional print materials, but NBP’s mission is to ensure that blind individuals never have to pay more for the same information. Through sponsorships and donations, NBP can continue to provide access to braille materials and increase literacy for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Tickets to “A Million Laughs for Literacy: Bringing the World to your Fingertips” Gala can be purchased here or donate here. Can’t attend? The live program will also be available starting at 8:00pm Eastern Time, Nov. 8, 2024, accessible through this link: https://www.classy.org/event/celebrating-40-years-of-the-childrens-braille-book-club-bringing-the-world-to-your-finger-tips/e599635/register/new/select-tickets

About National Braille Press

National Braille Press is a non-profit braille publisher and producer of braille products. NBP creates products and programs to support braille and tactile literacy in the blind community and to provide access to information that empower blind people to actively engage in work, family, and community. For more information visit www.nbp.org