Community Corner
Comedian, Tom Papa, Headlines National Braille Press' "A Million Laughs for Literacy" Gala
A gala dinner and live auction to support National Braille Press’ literacy campaign, Hands On! Books for Blind Children. The dinner program will include a comedic performance by Tom Papa, the 8th annual Hands On! Award, and a series of live auction items. This year’s Hands On! recipient is Diane Croft, Publisher at National Braille Press. Diane Croft has been working at National Braille Press since 1982 and oversees all publishing efforts, new product development, and the marketing and promotion of braille products. Croft is also a published author and editor of several original publications related to blindness and is highly reputable in the blindness community for her contributions to the field.
This year, the “A Million Laughs for Literacy” Gala program will present a unique experience for guests in that they will temporarily lose their sight by wearing blindfolds, leaving them entirely reliant on other senses. The exercise is meant to raise awareness about non-visual perception. The experience will lead into a live auction featuring a “Dialog in the Dark” package, including tickets to the “Dialog in the Dark” exhibit in New York City. The exhibition consists of visually impaired guides leading visitors through a series of specially constructed and totally darkened galleries, where sound, temperature, wind and texture convey daily environments. The experience test ones limits leading to a tangible experience of combining emotional intelligence and social competence. Matched with hotel and traveling accommodations the package is truly priceless!
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WHO: Diane Croft, Hands On! Awardee and Publisher at National Braille Press
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Event Co Chairs:
Jayne Donahue, Executive Vice President, State Street, Financial services holding company
James Coyne King, President and Co-Founder of Murphy & King Professional Corporation
Michael Sheehan, President and CEO of Hill Holliday
Tom Sullivan, Chairman and Founder, Lumber Liquidators
Master of Ceremonies, Tom Papa, Nationally known comedian, actor and TV and radio host known for his many TV and film appearances.
Brian MacDonald, President, National Braille Press