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A Note from Executive Director, Pam French


Dear Friend,

We have so much to share this month--from events (like tonight's Alone Together fundraiser) to useful news about applying for aid and navigating medical bills. 

Here in the (virtual) Binc office, we've seen a significant rise in inquiries and grant requests over the past month. To help manage those requests–and with an eye toward the future– we've added a second program manager to the team. I'm thrilled that Kate Weiss will join Kit Steinaway and fill that much-needed role. She'll have her feet in two jobs (as I'm certain many of you do too) until a new communication coordinator is hired.

You will have a chance to meet Kate (virtually) and other Binc team members at the Fall Regional Tradeshows. While the format will be very different, we're looking forward to seeing you in our virtual booths at all the shows. Please do pop in to say "hi" and let us know how you're doing. 

Of course, fall also ushers in an uncertain time and the threat of natural disasters. We're already seeing their impact on the midwest and California this month, and we're here for all the booksellers and comic store retailers in those affected areas. If you know of a book or comic person that has impacted by storms please let them know about Binc. You are our best advocates and help spread awareness of how the Foundation can help–and we're so grateful for that. Thank you.

Take good care,
Pam

P.S. Don't forget to join me for an update on how Binc has helped book people during the pandemic. August 26 at 1 pm EST



Pam French
Executive Director

Video Resource: How To Apply for Assistance 

Here at Binc we're always looking for new ways to make the application process as simple and straightforward as possible. To that end, we've created a short video that takes potential applicants through the first steps in the process.👇👇👇

Having Health Insurance Isn't Always Enough

A bookseller recently came to Binc requesting help with a medical bill resulting from a serious infection. The bookseller was lucky enough to have health insurance and the bill would not have been a problem in normal times. But, we all know these times are nothing like normal. This bookseller was already paying off the balance of earlier medical bills related to a separate medical issue.  Now add in the loss of work hours due to both medical procedures and the COVID pandemic and you have the perfect recipe for financial disaster. Luckily the bookseller's colleagues suggested that they call Binc. We were able to pay the medical bills* for this bookseller and get them back on track. 

* Tip for paying medical bills: If you are in a position to pay off a balance at one time, always ask for a "paid-in-full discount". The majority of the time this can take 20-25% off the amount you owe. Always be sure to verify that your account balance will be $0 before finalizing the payment.

💡 Upcoming Event Spotlight 💡

Join us tonight for a Sneak Peak at ALONE TOGETHER: Love, Grief and Comfort in the time of COVID-19 with  Jennifer Haupt and Garth Stein! All money raised at this event and profits from the sale of Alone Together will be donated to The Book Industry Charitable Fund (Binc) to benefit booksellers hit hard by the pandemic.
⮕ Get Your Tickets

💡 Indie Shindig Update💡

280+ booksellers have attended Indie Shindig virtual events, raising $2,850 for BINC and we're just gettin' started. There are still 7 events remaining and more fun to be had with fantastic books!

For each bookseller attendee at Indie Shindig events, a donation of $10 is made to The Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation by the participating publishers. 
INDIE SHINDIG SIGNUP

💡 Fundraiser Spotlight 💡

Thank you to Blue Willow Bookshop for putting together this fabulously bookish Binc fundraiser!
Here's how it works. 
1. Download one (or all!) of the Blue Willow backgrounds and use it on a Zoom call
2. Send a screenshot of you using it to Valerie at: girlboss@bluewillowbookshop.com. 
3. They'll donate $10.00 to Binc, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, which supports booksellers in need. 

💡 Products that Do Good 💡

The Binc Development and Communications Committee needs your feedback on sidelines for an upcoming promotion. This very short survey (three questions) will help us decide the direction of the campaign. To participate, answer the question below. From there you'll be sent to the survey site. 

We appreciate your help and feedback. 
Would you stock book-related sideline items that give back to Binc?
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Very Unlikely
Absolutely!

Reminder: Impact Call 

Please join us for an exclusive Binc impact call on Wednesday, August 26 at 1pm (EST). You’ll hear from Binc’s Executive Director, Pam French, and our special guest, Steven Malk, about the work we’ve done getting your donations swiftly into the hands of the booksellers and comics retail employees who need it. And we’ll also hear from some of those you helped who have expressed gratitude not only for the grant money but for the unwavering support offered by Binc staff and the book and comics communities. 

REGISTER NOW
To Our Donors and Supporters, we have been the recipient of these messages, but they are yours.

Binc has saved my life twice. I am so thankful the bookstore I work at [knows about] Binc.

In the midst of all this chaos, Binc was there for me: They were stable and easy to work with, and they moved fast and efficiently. I greatly appreciate their generosity and support in this dire time, and I hope that I'll be able to repay their kindness in the future.

I can't tell you what it means to me to have received help when we needed it most, from such a caring, like-minded group of folks. A million thank yous! 

Unexpected Hardships Don't Stop During a Pandemic. Neither Does Binc.

At Binc we know that other financial hardships don't stop for a pandemic – and we don't either. We are ready to help with your personal financial emergency – COVID-19 related or not.

Make a tax-deductible donation. Your donation will go to work immediately.
Help Booksellers and Comic Retailers Across the Country

Available Assistance for Booksellers and Comic Retailers

Your community is here for you. If you are a bookstore employee, comic shop employee, or store owner who has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 through job loss, reduced work hours, slow store sales, or illness, Binc may be able to help.

⮕ Get in Touch
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