Challenge yourself to a blindfolded dinner and support those in the community living with blindness or vision impairment.
The annual Dining in the Dark is a real feast for the senses.
Blindfolded guests experience dinner and entertainment using only touch, taste and smell. Even the simplest of tasks, such as finding your mouth with your fork, can become so much harder.
Over the years Dining in the Dark has attracted all sorts of guests, from people on the ultimate ‘blind date’ to a young ‘bucket list’ group who wanted to experience the event before getting married and settling down.
Returning for its fifth year, the event is hosted by the United Tradesmen’s Lodge No. 12 to raise money for Guide Dogs Queensland and build understanding towards the challenges that blind and vision-impaired Queenslanders face every day.
Secretary Ian Brown said it was a lot of fun – and included full size bibs for clothing protection.
“You have a squiz at the plate, put your blindfold on and go for it,” he said.
For the first time the event at Ipswich Showgrounds will also have guide dogs and trainers present, offering guests a chance to try an obstacle course blindfolded.
So far the annual event has raised $35,000 for Guide Dogs Queensland. The proceeds help provide services such as guide dog mobility, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility, and counselling to Queenslanders with low or no vision.
As well as growing demand for services, Guide Dogs Queensland also have a growing demand in their puppy nursery with a bumper spring of four litters.
Of the 22 puppies, only one is the iconic yellow. She’s been named Uma.
The money raised through Dining in the Dark will help pups like Uma get their training underway to become life-changing Guide Dogs for a Queenslander in future.
Dining in the Dark
Saturday 13 October 2018
5pm start for auction of guide dog obstacle course
Ipswich Reception Centre, Ipswich Showgrounds
Tickets $40 each (tables of 10 available)
For bookings please contact Jim Williams 0428 874 911 or Ian Brown 0431 034 852
Uma is the only yellow puppy from Guide Dogs Queensland’s bumper spring of 22 pups.
Ian Brown with one of the puppies from the spring litters
Jim Williams and Ian Brown with a guide dog.
A guide dog puts Ian Brown through his paces.
