Experience “Dining in the Dark”
Experience “Dining in the Dark”
Little Valley Lions Club Hosts Fundraiser & Invites Guests to Experience Life Without Sight
The Little Valley Lions Club is pleased to share its second Dining in the Dark event beginning at 6:00pm on Wednesday, November 1st at Ellicottville Brewing Company’s Little Valley location at 202 2nd Street. That’s right, diners will experience a meal without sight, and in the words of Lions Club member and event organizer Jordan Hernandez, “Dining in the Dark is both a fundraiser for us and an educational experience for those who are attending!” Enjoy a delicious dinner, interactive learning, live music, drawings, and more during this unforgettable night that supports two important western New York organizations: Little Valley Lions Club and Visually Impaired Advancement (VIA), formerly known as the Olmsted Center for Sight of Buffalo.
The Little Valley Lions Club, which represents Little Valley, Cattaraugus, and Salamanca, held the first Dining in the Dark event in 2019, and Hernandez is thrilled that it is finally back after the Covid-19 hiatus. “We did sell out last time,” she noted. “It was highly successful, and our goal for this event was to add to it. We’re excited to be able to have a new venue to host this in Little Valley!” New for 2023, Dining in the Dark will feature a cocktail hour with interactive learning stations. Hernandez said, “There are so many things that [sighted] people take for granted, like pouring a glass of water or plugging something into an outlet. They’ll be able to try things like this blindfolded!”
So what exactly does “dining in the dark” involve? Hernandez explained that diners “will get to eat salad sighted, but dinner will be served blindfolded - that is the experience. There is a heavy emphasis on eating this way.” The blindfold will be removed for dessert, and guests will enjoy live music and remarks from keynote speaker Ray Zielinski of VIA. For those who were wondering, bibs are available! “We’re selling raffle tickets as well,” she added. More than 10 prizes will be raffled off, including a gift certificate to Thrive IV Lounge, golf passes at Elkdale Country Club, a weekend stay at Highbanks Campground, an EBC basket, wine baskets, and more.
“What I like about it is that it’s a lot of fun!” said Hernandez. “Once the blindfold goes on, everybody is laughing! It’s so funny how you put the blindfold on and you’re unsure of every move you make. It’s definitely a good, lighthearted night, with lots of education and lots of opportunities to try different things. Most people know somebody who either has or has a connection to someone with a visual impairment,” said Hernandez. “This is a great night to learn about services that are available to them.”
Hernandez is very familiar with the challenges individuals with visual impairments face on a day-to-day basis. Speaking of herself and fellow Lions Club member/event organizer, Jodi Scanlon (Hernandez’s mother), she said, “This is something that is very near and dear to our hearts because my sister is visually impaired. The Lions Club helped her buy her first equipment at the age of 12.” In addition to receiving services from VIA, Hernandez’s sister also worked there for a time.
Many know Lions Club International for its humanitarian work, especially services and support for those with visual impairments, and their focus has expanded in recent years to include other environmental and health causes. However, “Our club likes to keep its focus on vision and local causes in general,” said Hernandez. “One of our big services is buying glasses for a lot of kids in the area.” While the local club also provides this service for adults, Hernandez said they’ve recognized a greater need among children, who often break or lose their glasses. The club works with school nurses to provide glasses to those in need, which is especially important to families who do not have vision insurance.
Those who are interested in attending Dining in the Dark or donating raffle prizes can contact Hernandez or Scanlon at Schubert Enterprises at 716-938-9034 or any Little Valley-Salamanca Lions Club member. Dinner includes a burrata salad, chicken parmesan, and coffee cake for dessert. Hernandez advised that the event is presale only and includes a cash bar. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LittleValleyLions.