Former President Barack Obama congratulated Binc, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, and commended its work in a video made specially for the organization’s 30th Anniversary Gala (see below). After talking about how both reading and writing helped him shape his own ideas, Obama thanked the organization for its work, saying, “As the only nonprofit organization in the country that provides emergency financial assistance to book and comic store employees, you’re helping people who are going through a tough time keep food on the table. And at a time when the cost of just about everything is going up, that’s more important than ever.”
Marco Davanzo and Binc Board Member Kuo-Yu Liang
Binc also recognized Marco Davanzo, owner of Alakazam Comics and the Executive Director of ComicsPRO, their Unsung Hero Award, in recognition of his work on behalf of comics retailers and Binc. Davanzo said that when he first heard about Binc, he was enthusiastic because it started out as booksellers helping booksellers, “and that’s what ComicsPRO is all about.” He added, “the staff at Binc are incredibly positive, driven and enthusiastic. I believe with positivity, enthusiasm, and a goal you can do anything.”
Binc offers support for retailers attending ComicsPRO every year (see “Binc Adds Three ComicsPRO Scholarships“) as well as general financial support for comic shops as well as bookstores (see “Binc Launches ‘Stand with Book and Comic Stores’ Fund-Raiser“).
Source: ICV2
