What is it?
Dining in the Dark is a unique event to raise awareness about blindness and raise funds for the local not-for-profit serving the blind, the Lighthouse of the Big Bend (formerly the Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education or FIRE.) With this event, we honor Paula Bailey, a former client and Board member (both blind and deaf from meningitis) who was an inspiration to us all and passed away in 2005. Paula was on the committee that organized the very first Dining in the Dark event in Tallahassee, FL.
What happens at the event?
The event begins with a fun reception, raffle baskets galore, and a 10-minute training on how to walk, sit and eat in the dark. Then, take the elevator to the pitch black ballroom and experience a decadent three-course meal as you may never have before – without your sight. Your remaining senses will be stimulated to savor the smell and taste of your dining experience. Conversation will become more intimate and immediate. And ultimately, this will expand your understanding of what individuals who are blind experience throughout their lives.
At the end of the dinner, Honorary Hosts Mike & (Rep.) Michelle Vasilinda will present the Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member Award to an inspirational member of the community. Inspirational is defined as: the ability to invoke positive emotion and action in others. To qualify for the award, each individual must be: 1. Visually impaired or blind (from birth or later in life) 2. A resident of one of the 11 counties the Lighthouse serves: Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor or Wakulla, and 3. An individual who has not won the award in the past 10 years. Nomination forms must be received in the Lighthouse office by September 15th. Click here for an Award form in Word.
How can I help?
We are currently seeking sponsors to underwrite the costs of the event and support the Lighthouse of the Big Bend in assisting people with vision loss in their pursuit of independence. We have seven opportunities for you and/or your business to receive some publicity and partner with the Lighthouse to support our work in assisting people who are visually impaired or blind:
Scholarship : $55
* Reserve a ticket for someone who can’t afford to go.
à la carte Angels : $100
* We will thank you in our event program.
Table for Eight : $600
* You will receive tickets for a private, named table of eight.
(Plus the benefit above)
NEW! Table for Ten : $700
* You will receive tickets for a private, named table of ten.
(Plus the benefit above)
Silver Spoon : $1,000
* You will be recognized in two ads in the Democrat, on FIRE’s website, newsletter, and on event signage.
* You will receive a framed certificate of appreciation.
(Plus all the benefits above)
Gold Goblet : $2,500
* We will name one monthly Computer Class that takes place in the coming year in your honor.
(Plus all the benefits above)
Platinum Platter : $5,000
* We will name one weekly Independent Living Class that takes place in the coming year in your honor.
(Plus all the benefits above)
Diamond Dining : $10,000
* Your contribution will be recognized on the event’s annual award;
* We will guarantee a photo of the presentation in the Tallahassee Democrat.
(Plus all the benefits above)
To print a SPONSORSHIP FORM click here - and thank you!
Dining in the Dark FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is it really a pitch-black dining room?
A: Yes it is! The ballroom where the dinner takes place is completely dark. Most of us aren't used to a completely dark environment since you hardly ever find this level of darkness in daily life. We are used to small rays of light from the streetlights or the moon. To help keep the room completely dark, you will be asked to put away all potential sources of light such as cigarettes, lighters, watches, cell phones or cameras. Even the majority of people who have a visual impairment are not completely in the dark. Many have a small amount of peripheral or central vision remaining. Only those who are completely blind have experienced this level of darkness.
Q: How can we eat in complete darkness? Are there many spills?
A: You will get an orientation and learn a few techniques for eating in the dark before you go into the dining room. You will also be provided with a lobster bib if you would like one. However, we find that once deprived of the sense of sight, we tend to rely more on our other senses - hearing, touch, smell and taste. Thus, your other senses will help you to eat and reach your table in the dark room, and we have found there are few spills. Our blind guides are carefully trained to ensure guests' welfare and will provide you with guidance. Even though at the beginning it can be daunting, after a few minutes you start to relax and the environment becomes more and more enjoyable.
Q: Why are the seaters blind?
A: As you will be without your vision for a couple of hours, you must be able to trust the person that guides you through the dark to your seat. Blind people are much more competent in the dark than those with sight, and are the best people capable of doing the job. It is a true "transfer of trust" and an amazing approach to raise awareness about blindness and disability in general.
Q: How do we move in the dark room?
A: Before you enter the room, you will be taught how to follow a guide by placing your hand on the shoulder or elbow of the person in front of you. Visitors aren't allowed to move by themselves in the dark room as it could put others at risk (remember the guides need clear walkways to work around the tables). If you need to leave the dark room you just have to stand up and call your waiter; they will assist you anytime.
Q: How do we get the attention of our guide?
A: You will call out their name, or if that fails, chime your glass with a utensil. If you need assistance to go out of the ballroom to the restroom, please stand at your seat, as well.
Q: Are there many blind people among the guests?
A: There will be some guests who are visually impaired or blind as it's a unique way to share a small bit of what it feels like being blind with their friends and relatives.
Q: Are the chefs blind? Is the kitchen in the dark too?
A: The chefs are not blind and kitchen is lit. The wait staff have night vision goggles to assist them in serving your food quickly. In 2006-2009 the Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team has been wonderful and sent their SWAT Team to wait on the tables in the dark. We look forward to them jioning us again this year, as well!
Q: Are the toilets in the dark?
A: No, the restrooms are located on the ballroom level and are fully lit.
Q: Do you often have people who can't cope with eating in the dark?
A: It is very seldom that someone cannot cope with eating in the dark. It is such a unique experience that the majority of people feel amazed by this very unusual and exciting moment which is all about re-discovering senses. Your apprehension will prove to be unfounded. Only a few of our guests felt the need to leave the dark room before finishing their experience.
Q: How do you deal with security matters?
A: The staff has received instruction on how to respond to emergency situations. There will be adequate security equipment and personnel at the premises. The lights will be switched on in the rare event of an emergency. And of course, the SWAT Team provides a whole other level of "security!"
Q: What type of food do you serve?
A: The University Center Club serves an excellent variety of dishes; each is an explosion of flavors and are made to educate guests to new ways of enjoying food. A vegetarian option is available.
Q: What about special diet requirements?
A: The welcome volunteers at the ticket table will ask you if you have any special diet requirements or suffer from any food allergies. In such cases, the chef would amend your menu accordingly.
Q: How many people does the ballroom seat?
A: There are 300 seats in the dining room, with a fair amount of space between each table to assist seaters and waiters in avoiding collisions.
Q: Can we bring our children with us?
A: Children from the age of 12 and older are welcome; for children age 11 and younger this experience could be a bit frightening.
Q: Should we book in advance?
A: Yes, we require guests reserve their tickets in advance because the Dining in the Dark event was sold out every year for the last three years! Tickets will go on sale in August for $55 each. However, if you want to sponsor a table for $600 or donate a larger sponsorship ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000), you can do that now and receive eight tickets as a part of your sponsorship in addition to other benefits.You can now donate online via credit card & pay pal - just make sure under “designation” you type Dining in the Dark. to pay by check, fill out the sponsor form and send it in. Want to be added to the Dining in the Dark mailing list? Call Barbara Ross at (850)942-3658 x 201 or email your address to info@lighthousebigbend.org .
Q: If I have a ticket for "general admission," not a reserved table, how can I make sure I sit with my friends?
A: Make sure your group goes up to the ticket table together, as that is where you will be assigned a table. While it is first come, first served, our volunteers will do their best to try to find a table with enough empty chairs for your party. If you have eight people, consider buying a table and you will have seats reserved for your whole group!
Q: Where did this idea come from?
A: The dark-dining concept originated in Switzerland. Jorge Spielmann, a blind minister from Zurich, blindfolded dinner guests to give them a taste of his daily struggles. In 1999 he opened Blindekuh (Blind Cow), the world's first dark restaurant staffed by visually impaired waiters. There are now many restaurants around the world: unsicht-Bar and Nocti Vagus in Germany, Dans le Noir in Paris, London, Moscow & Poland, Whale Inside in China, O.Noir in Canada, the Nalaga'at Center in Israel, Pod kridlem noci in the Chez Republic, cTaste in Amsterdam, and Opaque in the United States.
Q: How can my organization hold a "Dining in the Dark" event?
A: We have created a How To Manual for anyone who would like to replicate the event. The Lighthouse is a firm believer that the more public awareness, the better people will understand blindness and dispell fears. So the more "Dining in the Dark" events, the better! Feel free to download the document (it is in Word, 935 kb.) If you can not download it, Barbara will be happy to email it to you - simply email your request to info@lighthousebigbend.org .
Q: How can my donation help?
A: With just $55 (the price of a ticket to Dining in the Dark), we can purchase all of these:
• an envelope writing guide,
• 40 sheets of Braille paper,
• a check writing guide,
• a signature guide,
• a key finder (whistle & it beeps)
• a white travel cane,
• tags for clothing identification,
• a talking watch, and
• Braille playing cards.
An a la carte Angel donation of $100 will allow us to obtain:
• a talking calculator,
• Braille salt & pepper shakers,
• a talking thermometer,
• a talking scale,
• A guide dog harness sign that reads, “Please don't pet me, I'm working!” which is important for the dogs’ training.
A Table will pay for:
• a talking microwave,
• a talking blood pressure monitor
• a voice phone dialer, and
• a voice remote control.
With a Silver Spoon Sponsorship of $1,000 we can buy:
• a device that will scan bar codes to identify grocery items,
• 12 weeks of training classes in independent living skills,
• a year of monthly classes to gain computer skills, and
• 10 liquid level indicators.
For a Gold Goblet Sponsorship of $2,500 we can purchase a talking palm pilot that also includes a Braille display of what has been typed.
The Platinum Platter Sponsorship of $5,000 will purchase five copies of “screen reading” talking computer software to distribute to five individuals.
With the $10,000 Diamond Dining Sponsorship, we can purchase all of the above and more!
Articles from
1. Dining in the Dark 2009
2. Dining in the Dark 2008
3. Dining in the Dark 2007
4. Dining in the Dark 2006
5. Dining in the Dark 2005
PHOTO GALLERY of Dining in the Dark
Biggest Ever Dining in the Dark!
The 2009 Paula Bailey "Dining in the Dark" benefit sold out with 372 guests! Plans are already underway to hold to the event again next year. The evening opened with a reception, live music from a Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Trio and a raffle of fifteen amazingly beautiful baskets. We are very excited to share that the raffle itself raised and additional $1,400! After a training on how to dine in the dark, guests made their way up to the ballroom. Diners were guided through the dark to their table, led by volunteers who could not see, using a cane and their skills in orientation and mobility to make their way through the pitch black ballroom.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team again volunteered their time to serve dinner utilizing their night vision goggles. Guests do not know what they are eating in order to enhance the experience of utilizing their sense of smell and taste (and sometimes touch!) Therefore, to reveal the mystery menu, the dinner began with a clubhouse salad, fresh bread, and an appetizer platter of cheeses, nuts and fresh vegetables. The SWAT Team then served the main course of filet mignon and salmon with potatoes au gratin and sautéed string beans. For dessert, diners were treated to chocolate mousse.
After dinner, the lights came up and the "Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member" award was presented to Michael Elliott, the Bureau Chief of Client Services for the Division of Blind Services. Michael received a plaque in Braille, stating "2009 Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member Award Presented to Michael Elliott for Outstanding Contributions to the Community. Congratulations Michael!
Thank you again to all of our donors and volunteers for their contributions of time and money. With your help over $32,000 in funds were raised to support the Lighthouse of the Big Bend's services for individuals who are visually impaired or blind.
2008 Dining in the Dark
for the Newly Re-named Lighthouse of the Big Bend!
$33,000 was raised on Sunday, 10/19/08, at the 4th Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark event, making this the most successful benefit ever held for the local non-profit serving the visually impaired. Formerly known as FIRE, the agency announced its new name at the end of the Dining in the Dark event: Lighthouse of the Big Bend (with the slogan, Guiding People Through Vision Loss).
“Michael Elliott, the Bureau Chief of Client Services for the Division of Blind Services was the winner of our name contest,” announced Barbara Ross, executive director of the (now) Lighthouse of the Big Bend. The agency had opened the name contest up to the whole community in April 2008 and received over 150 suggestions. The contest also attracted the attention of the public relations firm, The Kidd Group, who offered their pro-bono services.
“Working with Colleen Schuster of the Kidd Group on our brand was the best thing that could have ever happened – she took us through the process of figuring out what we needed to portray to the community, choosing a name and slogan. Kidd Group designer Mary Liz Moody even helped create a logo and choose our colors.” exclaimed Barbara, “Kelly Robertson also jumped in and used the Kidd Group media contacts to get us more publicity than we have ever had! I can’t thank them enough.” The new logo uses the “i” in the word lighthouse as an actual lighthouse, with a beam of light streaming forth from it across the length of the word.
The winner of the Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member Award, William Benjamin, was also announced from among nine amazing nominees. William inherited retinitis pigmentosa and by the time he was a teen, was unable to read or discern colors. As an adult, he found he had an aptitude for piano tuning, and is the owner of the Piano Boutique on Mahan Drive. Word of his expertise spread and William has found himself tuning pianos for nationally renowned artists like Johnny Cash, Emmy Lou Harris, the Eagles and many others. He not only tunes pianos, he dismantles, repairs, and renovates them by himself (along with tree houses!) William has inspired the community through his lifetime of success as an independent, blind entrepreneur. He is also active on the Transportation Disadvantage Committee, is the volunteer grant writer with the Florida Council of the Blind and assists the American Council of the Blind, always willing to help with whatever needs to be done.
Special thanks goes to the sponsors of the event, Doug & Elizabeth Bailey, Glen & Sharyn Davidson, Anne & Bill Hebrock, Patti Liles, Rigel Optics, Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley, Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee Lions Club, University Center Club, and most especially, the Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team who once again served the three course meal in the dark with their night vision goggles. “The community truly comes together to make this event happen,” said Barbara, “We couldn’t have 365 people eat dinner in pitch black darkness without the amazing teamwork of our staff, board, volunteers, the University Center Club and the SWAT Team.”
3rd Annual Paula Bailey “Dining in the Dark” Receives National Attention and Sells Out
A sold-out crowd was on hand Sunday night, 10/14/07, to attend the "3rd Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark" fundraiser sponsored by FIRE, the non-profit serving the blind in the Big Bend. The event, held at the University Center, is unique in that it's a three-course dinner served in pitch-black darkness. Plans are already underway to expand the event to accommodate even more guests next year.
“Dining in the Dark” is a benefit designed to raise awareness and funds for the Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE) for People Who Are Visually Impaired or Blind. Without vision, information from other senses becomes more noticeable and conversation becomes more intimate. For those who are blind, this is a chance for friends and family to experience for a few short hours what those who are blind live with every day. Fred Sanguiliano, a business owner who is visually impaired, brought his wife Nancy who said, “This was a real eye opening experience!”
The evening opened with a reception hosted by Fire Chief Cindy Dick, and then diners made their way up to the ballroom, protected by Red Lobster bibs. Guests were guided through the dark to their table, led by volunteers who are blind. As people were seated, they were treated to the sounds of the Capital City Chordsmen Barbershop Quartet. During the dinner, a guest at all 36 tables received a door prize in the dark – free dance lessons for a month from “Dance ‘Til It Burns.”
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team again volunteered their time to serve dinner to the 309 guests utilizing their night vision goggles. UCC staff also had the challenge of learning to use the five sets of goggles loaned especially for the event by Rigel Optics.
SWAT Squad Leader Sergeant Charlie Strickland said, “"This gives the guys good training working with their night vision. At one point I was carrying two deserts which I could see clearly, but when I looked up I couldn't see a thing 10 feet in front of me because my goggles were focused at arms length. Normally in a training exercise we are carrying a weapon and can hold on to the gun with one hand and reach up and focus the goggles with the other. This gives us more experience dealing with real life situations."
This year’s event received national attention with two organizations sending representatives to observe the Tallahassee event in order to replicate it on a national scale. Paula Graves, the Development Officer for Lions World Services for the Blind and Suzanne Ressa, Coordinator of Education and Research for the Helen Keller National Center were both excited to be able to attend. These organizations and others across the United States have received free copies of FIRE’s “How To” manual in order to create a Dining in the Dark experience in their own area.
After dinner, the lights came up as Board President Frank Seidman presented the “Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member” award. Both the event and award are named in honor of Paula Bailey, a former FIRE client and Board member who was an inspiration to the community. She became blind and deaf in 1999 after an attack of meningitis, but regained her independence and reached out to many with her warmth and generosity. She passed away in April 2005, but her memory lives on in this event she was part of creating.
The winner of this year’s award, Barbara Kiger, was in tears as she approached the podium to receive a plaque in Braille from Fire Chief Cindy Dick. “Those of you that know me, know I am never speechless… but thank you. Just thank you.” Kiger became totally blind in 1985, due to a reaction to medication. Among her many inspirational accomplishments, she published a mystery novel, “Payback,” served as a spokesperson for FIRE in last year’s United Way campaign, and is currently the President of the Pensacola/Tallahassee Diocesan Council for Catholic Women.
FIRE received a great deal of community support for the event from Doug & Elizabeth Bailey, Fishback Family Community Fund, Patti Liles, Mainline Information Systems, Nature Coast Eye Care Institute, Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley, LLP, Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Lions Club, the University Center Club, and many other individuals and businesses. Over $27,000 in funds were raised to support FIRE’s services for individuals who are visually impaired or blind.
As the evening came to a close, FIRE Executive Director Barbara Ross said, “If you take one message away tonight, know that being blind does not mean being helpless.” All 309 guests received pins stating, “I survived Dining in the Dark!”
2nd Dining in the Dark a Success!
Thank you to everyone who participated in FIRE’s 2nd Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark benefit. As the event approached, we sold out early and squeezed in extra tables for more diners. The benefit then sold out a second time! 300 guests were served a sunrise salad, pork tenderloin rockefeller served with rice and sautéed vegetables (or an optional vegetarian entrée), and chocolate mousse for dessert—all in the dark.
Before dinner, Rep. Loranne Ausley kicked off the event at the reception with a rousing talk. Adam Gaffney put together a jazz band that kept everyone entertained before they went upstairs to be seated. Charles Atkins played keyboard and improvised lyrics about Dining in the Dark—some brave souls even danced!
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team were wonderful as our servers. Sgt. Charlie Strickland explained they placed an infra-red glow stick in the center of each table, which lit up the whole ballroom for the team’s night vision goggles. They received a standing ovation and promised to come back next year. Thanks also goes to Rigel Optics, who again loaned FIRE night vision goggles sent all the way from WA.
The Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member Award was presented to Delores Wussler. Congratulations Delores! FIRE was proud to have a whole slate of inspirational community members, and as Board President Frank Seidman said, wish we could have given the award to each one. In addition to Delores, the nominees included: Charles Atkins, Elizabeth Bowden, Michael Elliott, Adam Gaffney, Sila Miller, Dan Orange, and Evelyn Sewell.
FIRE could not create this awareness or raise this funding without the support of dozens of volunteers and many sponsors. Because of all of you, FIRE received $25,500 in contributions—so thank you everyone!
“2005 Dining in the Dark Sold Out”
by Barbara Ross, FIRE Executive Director
The 1st Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark event held in October 2005 was an incredible evening for the 250 participants that filled the ballroom of the University Center Club. After a short orientation on how to walk and eat in the dark, diners entered a “light lock” meant to block light out of the dining room. Groups were then guided by a blind volunteer to their table. I’m happy to say everyone did extremely well and made it though the dark without any mishaps other than a few groups getting slightly lost for a minute or two.
Kept a mystery until that evening, guests started their dinner with a spring salad and fresh rolls. The main course was filet mignon and grilled salmon with au grautin potatoes and asparagus. Dinner concluded with chocolate mousse for dessert. I personally almost put the microphone in my salad dressing, but for the most part, guests seemed to partake of their meal in the darkness with much less trouble than anticipated. We learned, as our blind guests already knew, that you can have an enjoyable meal without vision!
After the wonderful jazz provided by Charles Atkins, accompanied by Dale Robinson on drums, Representative Curtis Richardson gave a short address, highlighting the importance of the evening. FIRE Board Member and client Barbara Kiger later gave a moving talk about her experience of losing her sight, how she regained her independence and has gone on to realize her dream of becoming a published author, as well as giving a tribute to Paula Bailey. Barbara shared with us, “ “When I had my first speech to give after I lost my sight, I thought, ‘This will be a piece of cake – since I can’t see anyone, I won’t have any stage fright.’ But I am here to tell you that is not true – stage fright must be something that happens between your ears and not your eyes.”
After dessert the lights were turned up, and the evening culminated in the presentation of the Paula Bailey “Inspirational Community Member” Award. A three-member Board committee evaluated the ten nominations. They had a difficult decision, as the award could have easily gone to any of the nominees. They were: Charles Atkins, Adam Gaffney, Arline Hertz, Lynda Jones, Linda Mathis, Carlos Montas, Dexter “Chip” Orange, Evelyn Sewell, Joe Strechay, and Delores Wussler. Ranking the nomination materials submitted on a scale from 1-10, Dexter “Chip” Orange won the award this year by 2/10 of a point. As you can see it was a close competition, and we only wish we could have given an award to each and every one of those nominated, as they certainly all deserved it. It is amazing to have so many inspirational community members doing such good work in the community. Thank you to those that made the nominations, as it was clear each was heartfelt and took time and effort to submit.
On behalf of the FIRE Board and Staff, our sincere appreciation goes to everyone that contributed either time and energy, money, or both. We are delighted to announce that FIRE received over $18,500 in contributions. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors: Hebrock, Steiner & McLaughlin, Nature Coast Eye Care Institute, Rigel Optics, Southern Vitreoretinal Associates, Tallahassee Community College, and the University Center Club.
Updated 6/22/10
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