By Kate Bartlett
Dining in the Dark has become a trending experience over the past several years, gaining popularity in the culinary scene of larger cities. However, the Little Valley Lions Club has paired with the Visually Impaired Advancement agency to host a fundraiser and awareness event at the EBC Little Valley location (202 2nd St, Little Valley, NY 14755). The event will be Wednesday, November 1 from 6-9pm. Experience what dinner and life would be like without sight.
Jodi Hernandez, Secretary of the Lyons Club and event committee team member, has been involved with VIA (Visually Impaired Advancement) for many years as her sister is visually impaired. Seeing the opportunity for the Lions Club to get involved, Jordan reached out to VIA and helped coordinate their first Dining in the Dark event held at Elkdale Country Club in 2019. “It is such a great way to raise awareness for the Visually Impaired Advancement agency and make the community aware of the services they offer. So many people’s lives have been touched by visual impairments, and many may be unaware of the services available.”
VIA is dedicated to advancing the lives of the visually impaired. Their mission is to assist people who are visually impaired to achieve their highest level of independence. They provide tools, education, rehabilitation, job training, job placement, and support for people of all ages. Not only to those legally blind, but to anyone with visual impairments. From braille and devices for the blind, to books on tape for the elderly with Macular Degeneration, VIA offers a variety of programs and services to anyone affected by visual impairments. The VIA typically holds a much larger annual Dining in the Dark event of 500+ in the Buffalo area.
Their second Dining in the Dark event will be held at the Little Valley location of Ellicottville Brewing Company (EBC). In addition to the full menu catered by EBC, the event will feature interactive learning, live music, raffles and 50/50 drawing. Guests are expected to dine completely blindfolded for the entirety of the meal, and will be provided bibs. Ray Zylinski, a legally bind VIA employee, will give the Keynote speech. Guests will be granted the opportunity to experience what it’s like doing activities of daily living while blindfolded, such as plugging in an outlet, pouring water, reading Braille, and more.
“It’s a great event to promote the services available to the visually impaired, and to give a glimpse into the lives of those with visual impairments. It’s a lighthearted way to raise awareness. We had a lot of fun at the first event; people really have a fun time and learn some empathy along the way. We take our sight for granted, and it’s an opportunity to reflect on that. It sparks curiosity of what the visually impaired go through, and helps us connect with one another.”
The Lions Club hopes to sell 100 tickets to the event, which are available for purchase on their Facebook site, or by calling (716) 938-9034 and asking for Jordan or Jodie. For more information on VIA visit https://viawny.org/