On May 19th, 2022, Benji’s Book Club Inc. held its first board meeting. In attendance were Bridget Flynn, executive director and Russell Ekins, vice president. Also present were patrons, Dr. Sean Bergsten and Dr. Elizabeth O’Donnell (attended by phone). The agenda for the meeting was to discuss the current state of affairs, logistics, expectations of patrons, plans for the future.
Bridget Flynn, Russ Ekins, and Sean Bergsten meet to discuss the creation of Benji’s Book Club
Non-Profit and Website Development
Bridget shared that Benji’s Book Club has received official status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and completed incorporation in the state of Idaho. She also was able to share the completed design and tote/gift bags with everyone. Many books have been ordered and were on display at the meeting. In progress for Benji’s Book Club are marketing materials, website, and logo.
Sanitation, storage, and handling
Dr. Sean Bergsten and Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) O’Donnell will work on the logistics of books in the NICU and maternity ward at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho. The concerns and issues are sanitation, storage, handling, and communication.
What is next?
Liz will also be reaching out to contacts at other Idaho hospitals, March of Dimes, and pediatric organizations to expand Benji’s Book Club and seek out donations. Sean and Bridget will be getting in touch with contacts and doing some research to provide baby books that are inclusive – i.e., multi-cultural, diverse, bilingual books, etc. We look forward to seeing this grow from an idea to a reality!
