The Spotlight: Dining in the Dark

The Spotlight is a monthly post where Laurie can discuss trade shows, events and travels in her life outside the store. Look here each month to get a glimpse into the life of Laurie!

Foundation Fighting Blindness: Dining in the Dark

I have a friend who has Retinitis Pigmentosa and he is a huge contributor and supporter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. This is the second year I've attended this event and it's opened my eyes to how many lives it affects with no discretion for age. Eyesight is such an important part of our being, however research is very expensive in hopes to find cures for blindness.

The evening started off with a silent auction, then moved into dinner, where we actually wore blindfolds during the entree portion of our meal- literally dining in the dark. The night featured Frank Vascellaro as the Master of Ceremonies, and a variety of guest speakers telling their stories. Each year they give away a Visionary Award, this year's recipient had an unexpected story. Mike Lindell, known for being the founder and owner of My Pillow, was the recipient this year. His best friend from grade school, Jim Hansel, a well known painter from the area, has Stargardts, a degenerative eye condition. Mike has been a true friend to Jim and a huge contributor to the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Everybody that attended the event received a My Pillow with a Jim Hansel painting on it as a gift. If you look at his paintings, it is hard to believe that he is legally blind. If you wish to learn more, or want to contribute to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, visit their website www.blindness.org