Fundraiser Returns for 2022 at the Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY
By Barbara Arnstein
Have you ever eaten dinner with your eyes closed? Imagine savoring grilled steak, a chicken breast with basil pesto, citrus-seared cod or sweet, meat-textured jackfruit served over quinoa, that way. Imagine tasting a summer berry salad, with plump blueberries, juicy strawberries, candied walnuts and crumbled goat cheese. Right now, close your eyes for a moment and focus on those flavors. Relish the aromas. If someone helped you with hints about navigating your plate, you would be enjoying a very memorable, flavor-focused dining experience.
At the “Dining in the Dark” event planned for Thursday, April 21st, at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner, blindfolded, featuring your choice of any of the gourmet meals, and salad, described above, presented by the Chautauqua Blind Association.
The evening begins at 6pm with socializing, drinks from a cash bar and bidding on silent auction items. A half-hour later guests can opt to don blindfolds and are led to their tables by sighted guides, ready to enjoy their chosen three-course meals.
“You can remove the blindfold anytime you want”, said Executive Director Joni Blackman, “the trained guides at each table are Jamestown Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant students and SUNY Fredonia Pre-Health Club students who volunteer their time to help us every year.”
The evening marks the association’s tenth “Dining in the Dark” event, which is taking place once again, after a two-year gap, and which also includes a live auction and an award presented to a volunteer supporter.
“Guests can bid on handcrafted furniture and artwork made by clients, a Fancher chair, and a live edge wood wine rack”, she said. “There will be two helmets, a football, and a jersey signed by Buffalo Bills players, and all kinds of themed baskets.
“All the funds raised support vision screening throughout Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties”, she said. “Last year we screened 4,450 children throughout both counties, and found that almost 1,000 needed to see an eye doctor. During the screening test, children only need to look at a scanner for a few seconds. If a family is unable to afford the comprehensive eye exam and glasses, we offer financial assistance through the Dr. Timothy Grace Sight for Success Program”.
“More theme basket donations would be appreciated, with themes such as ‘cooking’ or ‘gardening’, said Ms. Blackman.
Reservations are appreciated by Monday, April 11th, which can be made online at Chautauquablind.org or by calling (716) 664-6660. Tickets are $65.00.
Caption: At the “Dining in the Dark” event planned for Thursday, April 21st, at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner, blindfolded, featuring your choice of any of the gourmet meals, and salad, described above, presented by the Chautauqua Blind Association. The evening begins at 6pm with socializing, drinks from a cash bar and bidding on silent auction items.