Hadley Patti Willian

2 A Priceless Mission A Message From Our President 4 Maintaining The Top and Bottom Line Mary Babson, Chairman of the Board 6 Trailblazing For A Cause Jennifer Weaver, President of the Woman's Board 8 Friends of Hadley Patti Willian, President of Friends of Hadley 10 Giving Back to Hadley A Student's Perspective 12 Talking ATMs Make Sense 14 Be An Angel Materials and Equipment Needed 15 Giving Societies/Our Thanks Thanks For Your Tributes 16 The Woman's Board Group Plans a Colorful Benefit

A Priceless Mission A message from our president

The Hadley School for the Blind does amazing, essential work-work that is acknowledged worldwide as altruistic.Through innovative distance education techniques, our courses assist thousands of blind and visually impaired people gain independence.

Yet, we cannot do this alone.
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Hadley receives no state or federal funding; we are totally non-profit.Donors like you provide the resources to cover our growing operating expenses as we serve more and more visually impaired people throughout the world.

Of course, it is impossible to put a value on the mission that you help us achieve on a daily basis, in every corner of the globe.You have helped us achieve so much and, in the process, positively touched so many people.As Martha Moser, one of our students, so succinctly stated: "Until I found Hadley, I didn't know where to go, and I had no resources.
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Through interviews with key individuals such as Mary Babson, Jennifer Weaver and Patti Willian, we highlight the ongoing efforts of the Board of Trustees, the Woman's Board, the Friends of Hadley and other important volunteer groups.
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Also, we share with you a heart-warming story of a student donor who is now giving back to Hadley.

It is your caring support, passion and good intentions that really assist our students.This human touch makes all the difference.
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Likewise, the Friends of Hadley recently used its contributions creatively by sponsoring an essay contest for students in the Family Education Program.
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Yes, there are many ways that the donor community has helped Hadley achieve its mission of promoting independent living through lifelong, distance education.We are grateful for your past and current generosity and look forward to your help as we expand our efforts in the near future.There are still many blind and visually impaired people who need our assistance.

Maintaining the Top and Bottom Line

Although Mary Babson, Hadley's chairman of the board, has logged countless hours in the corporate world, she is most dedicated to her work with civic causes.
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"Hadley is one of the best organizations that I have ever worked with in terms of the high quality of people involved, from staff and faculty to the long- standing commitment of the Board and donors," she says."The fact that the School has been in existence for more than 80 years underscores the important role it plays in serving blind people."

Looking forward, Mary doesn't believe much change is required to keep Hadley running strong.
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Mary came to Hadley with a wealth of experience.
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Mary believes that the immediate impact Hadley has on its blind and visually impaired students-made evident by poignant student stories shared during the School's annual meetings-has inspired a significant number of Board members to remain committed year after year.
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And, particularly in the case of Hadley, she is ever aware of the important role that everyday citizens can play in helping others-whether by lending a hand or providing financial support."Part of Hadley's success is due to a loyal group of donors and friends who have supported the School for the long-haul.And, our Board will continue to be loyal stewards of Hadley's mission to ensure that the School does sustain itself for the next century."

Trailblazing For A Cause Jennifer Weaver, President of the Woman's Board

Through both lean and prosperous years, The Hadley School for the Blind's Woman's Board has steadfastly remained the School's largest donor.
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Jennifer became more active with Hadley in 1994.
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"Hadley, unlike many other organizations, allows us to serve a broad range of people.From parents of blind children to professionals, we have the opportunity to learn about and support the ever-changing needs of Hadley's students.In addition, we remain committed because we see the tangible needs of the students so clearly."

The Woman's Board has had a major impact on the School's ability to grow.From its earliest days, the group's efforts have included holiday card sales, galas and a myriad of other events, keeping Hadley in the public's mind and heart.

In 1953, members of the newly formed Woman's Board hosted teas on the North Shore to identify potential donors to the School.At one of these events, a supporter asked Nancy Jones, longtime Winnetka resident and a founder of the Woman's Board, if the School had a holiday card that she and her husband could send out during Christmas-a card showing they had made a contribution to Hadley.

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"She has a willingness to do what's necessary to allow Hadley to move forward.
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We need more people to be more effective at our job of raising money for Hadley and broadening awareness in the local community.

"My personal goal," she continues, "is to help connect the Woman's Board more closely with the School so they can feel the spirit that Mike (Bina) is bringing.I see this as a wonderful time of growth and opportunity for the Woman's Board to expand on their dedication and new ideas."

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Friends of Hadley Patti Willian, President of Friends of Hadley

The Friends of Hadley epitomize the definition of a true friend-someone who is always there to quietly offer a helping hand.Over the years, this group of women has held a special place at Hadley, contributing gifts ranging from braille writers and large-print books to cassette tape recorders and student trips to computer camp.In fact, the Friends purchased the Public Relations Department's first camera in 1977.In recent years, the group has focused its attention on the Family Education Department.

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Patti has been a true friend to Hadley and its students for years.
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"Hadley has had a special place in each of our lives for many years," Patti notes."It has provided us with a unique opportunity to be of service to our community and the world."Members have a deep desire to stay connected to the School, she says.So as members move away over time, Patti helps keep them in touch with Hadley.Thus, the bond among these women has grown stronger over the years.

During the past 10 years, the Friends have contributed regularly to the Family Education Program for special purposes and occasions.
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"I always let people know that, through the Family Education Program, Hadley educates sighted people (family members) as well as blind and visually impaired people."

Adding to its long list of generosity, the Friends most recently sponsored a 2001 essay contest for students in the Family Education Program.The winner attended the "Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference," which was held November 8 to 11 in Philadelphia, courtesy of a $1,000 contribution from the group.In addition, the remaining contestants received $75 gift certificates to purchase braille books from Seedlings: Braille Books for Children.

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Encouraged by this renewed spirit, Patti foresees more significant contributions by the Friends of Hadley in the near future.
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"We cherish the friendships we have gained in years past and are pleased that the Friends of Hadley have given us a way to continue those friendships and help the School at the same time.We hope to continue our support for many years to come."Hadley School truly appreciates this group's spirit and contributions.They are true friends in every sense of the word.

Giving Back to Hadley: A student's perspective

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That year, George and his wife, Marjorie, also decided to begin including Hadley in their charitable donations.
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Hadley is a perfect fit!Since Hadley has helped me to gain the skills I need to cope with blindness, we have put the School near the top of our list!"

A native of Waukegan, Ill., just up the lakeshore from Hadley, George graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc., and received his law degree from the University of Illinois.
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George and Marjorie's decision to provide financial support will help Hadley achieve its goal of reaching out to visually impaired people worldwide.
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Bank of America has invested in people who are blind, not only through their tremendous support of Hadley's 90-plus courses that allow people who are blind and visually impaired to live more independently, but through their corporate commitment to make automatic teller machines (A