Binc Fundraiser Raises Thousands to Benefit Booksellers

The Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation’s first major fundraising event, titled Zombie Apocalypse!, brought more than 100 supporters to downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 27. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of beer tasting that resulted in more than $10,000 being raised to benefit programs to support bookstore employees across the country. 

The event featured Arbor Brewing Company’s award-winning beers, complemented by a lively dart tournament, a silent auction, and a Zombie-themed “flash mob” by a local youth dance troupe.

Zombie Apocalypse’s primary sponsor was the American Booksellers Association, which, in early October, announced that it was partnering with Binc to offer a financial assistance program for employees of independent bookstores who are experiencing an emergency financial hardship. The ABA/Binc partnership is an outgrowth of the Bookseller Relief Fund, founded in 1995 by ABA to help meet the humanitarian needs of booksellers affected by disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Binc Executive Director Pamela French addresses event participants.

Additional sponsorship from the Ingram Content Group, Susan Franke, Financial Advisor with Raymond James, Michigan Commerce Bank, and Workman Publishing helped the foundation surpass its fundraising goal for the October 27 event.

Also, thanks to Binc’s book industry partners, each event attendee was offered a book of their choice, donated by Chronicle Books.

Owners and employees of ABA member bookstores who are experiencing an emergency financial hardship as a result of Hurricane Sandy can apply for assistance from Binc. Additional information is available at www.bincfoundation.org; [email protected]; or (866) 733-9064.

The Binc Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that began in 1996 as the Borders Foundation with the purpose of helping Borders employees in need. Following the bankruptcy of Borders in 2011, the foundation expanded its mission and changed its name in recognition of its new focus as an industry-wide entity.

Since its inception, Binc has provided more than $5 million in charitable assistance. The foundation also sponsors an annual scholarship program for booksellers and their dependents.