The Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation is launching its year-end campaign today, November 18, with a $30,000 matching gift challenge, its largest ever, thanks to Penguin Random House, AdventureKEEN, HarperCollins, and Libro.fm.
The campaign--Stand with Book and Comic Stores--aims to raise $200,000 in donations before December 31, to ensure Binc can continue its commitment never to turn away a bookseller in need. All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the power and impact of donations received, up to a total of $30,000. Donations can be made here.
Binc CEO Pam French said, "Book and comic people need our support now more than ever. Housing stability and high medical costs are the top two reasons people are coming to us for help. We're incredibly grateful to Penguin Random House, AdventureKEEN, HarperCollins, and Libro.fm for joining us in support of these book and comic people who open their doors to their community and bring people together, provide safe spaces, and share ideas in this time of increased divisiveness and uncertainty."
Jaci Updike, chief revenue officer, Penguin Random House U.S., said, "At the heart of everything we do is our partnership with booksellers, whose dedication makes it possible for our books and stories to reach readers everywhere. Our ongoing collaboration with Binc helps us support their vital work during the holiday season and throughout the year."
Richard Hunt, president of AdventureKEEN, said, "At a time when half of the world wouldn't mind if bookstores, and books, and authors, and people who care deeply and act unselfishly, would just go away, Binc is the backstop that literally keeps bookselling alive (and, by extension, publishing). With Binc stepping in when the weather and taxes and politicians turn nasty and brutish, Binc allows us all to keep up the good fight. Shop local, live local, read local."
Kathy Faber, v-p of independent sales, and Wendy Ceballos, senior director, independent sales, at HarperCollins, said that the company is "proud to continue our partnership with Binc in support of booksellers and the invaluable work they do--connecting readers with stories and uplifting our authors. We're honored to stand alongside Binc in championing the resilience and impact of booksellers in communities across the country."
Binc is offering an audiobook credit for everyone who donates $100 or more and three credits for donations of $500 or more, an offer that is available until December 31.