Les Davies Email and Phone Number

The mission of Insight for the Blind is to help improve the quality of life for blind children and adults through the Talking Books program. The Talking Books Program was established in 1931 by Congress to serve blind adults. It was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and in 1966 to include individuals with physical impairments that prevent their reading of standard print. Today it is the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress.Insight was founded in 1975 and while we work closely with the Library of Congress and Florida Blind Services; Insight has never received financial support from any federal, state, city, county government or agency. We depend completely on gifts, grants and bequests from the private sector.

Maintained existing grant funding and increased foundation, events and individual gifts by 9% year-over-year. Responsible for online and print marketing, communications, and special events and served as a key spokesperson in the community.

Sr. Director Of Grants & Communications Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches •Senior Events Manager, Promoted to Senior Director of Grants & Communications •Lead grant writer, building long-term financial results and mutually beneficial relationships with corporations and foundations and saw that funding increase 10 fold in 5 years •Planned, organized and executed 5 Hall of Fame events, plus Bowling and Golf Tournaments •Held direct managerial responsibility for implementing all public relations and media strategies •Created questionnaire, guided feasibility study, and wrote Case Statement to support $15 million Capital Campaign •Updated online content at www.JuniorAchievement.com using Adobe software •Crafted and designed all correspondence, newsletters, forms, and brochures used to communicate agency message to supporters and partners increasing brand identity and consistency

Director of Branch Operations (1987-1989); Acting Executive Director (1989-1990); Program & Marketing Counsel (1990-1991); Director of Development & Marketing (1991-2001)• Co-managed Annual AWCF Palm Beach Auction for 14 years, raising over $1.6 million in 2000• Created and managed major donor/volunteer recognition program called the “Rainbow Awards” • Developed “win-win-win” sponsor packages to ensure long-term partnerships with corporate supporters Increased visibility and awareness of agency mission through regularly addressing civic groups, parents, and advocacy groups • Wrote, produced, and placed all PSA’s. Wrote and produced bi-annual newsletters. Wrote and directed promo video for 1993 Adam Walsh Building dedication at the Breakers in Palm Beach • Researched, developed and maintained long-term foundation relationships and multi-year funding • Actively participated in budget process, strategic planning and quarterly Board Meetings in DC• AWCF Project Manager for 11 “Miracle Houses” in Florida, raising $2.6 million with Home Builders • Tournament Director for 2 PGA NIKE/TOUR events. Managed 23 committee chairs & 400+ volunteers

Managed with my younger, "Irish twin" sister. It was a small family business that was open 24/7 for 10 months of the year and you name it, we did it!