In pre-COVID times, the Leader Dogs for the Blind annual fundraiser, “Dinner in the Dark,” is an all-out affair in Detroit, replete with an exciting auction, three-course gourmet dinner, and live charity program. Avid patrons attend the typically sold-out fundraiser and enjoy a gourmet dinner – with a twist. Guests are blindfolded and led through a step-by-step simulation of dining out with a visual impairment. It’s a powerful and memorable experience.
However, as with many organizations in similar circumstances, COVID-19 threatened to impede this year’s event due to capacity and indoor dining restrictions aimed at stemming the disease’s spread. So, Leader Dog took the experience online.
More than 1,000 individuals tuned in to the “Virtual Dinner in the Dark” program on Friday, March 15, and raised over $250,000. Rain BDM was a proud sponsor of the event, which included “dinner boxes” and instructions on creating the experience at home. The event was then live-streamed with elements of pre-recorded testimonials, client updates, and, of course, puppies.
Congratulations to the team at Leader Dog for making the party a huge success!