Lions Schedule Annual Fundraiser

Paradise Township Lions Club member and organizer of the upcoming Dinner in the Dark fundraiser Bill Dodds knows the history of the club's dedication to helping individuals who are blind or vision impaired. "At the Lions International convention in 1925, Helen Keller challenged the Lions to be "knights for the blind in the crusade against darkness,'" said Dodds. "The Lions took that challenge."

Dodds is carrying on that effort by overseeing the details for the club's annual Dinner in the Dark, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at White Chimneys, 5117 Lincoln Highway, Gap. Doors will open at 6 p.m. when the silent auction begins, and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. In addition to the meal, there will be presentations by VisionCorps, which will receive the profits from the dinner.

On the menu for the event will be baked chicken, roast beef and gravy, red skin potatoes, baby carrots, string beans, rolls and butter, and a tossed salad. Dessert will feature pumpkin and apple pies and chocolate cake. Beverages, which will be lemonade, coffee, beer, and wine, will all be included in the ticket.

However, it is not the food but how it is eaten that makes Dinner in the Dark a unique experience. With the goal of helping attendees to understand different levels of vision impairment, individuals may choose from different implements that simulate conditions that degenerate vision and introduce the wearer to the impact of that and how to function in that situation. The aim is to teach attendees about the subject by giving them a chance to eat a meal with limited or no vision.

"You eat blindfolded or they provide glasses (that simulate) various deficiencies," said Dodds, who added that the food is arranged in a clock format on the plate and diners are given instructions and sometimes a helper to aid them in eating.

Dodds shared that the silent auction usually features about 50 items, some of which are donated by local businesses. "We had Magic and Wonder Theater donated dinner and show tickets last year," he noted, adding that Lions Club members also donate items. Dodds is a well-known local artist, and he usually donates a print to the auction. He added that the items on the auction table vary, but that auctioneer Joe Bartolo coordinates items including sports memorabilia, college and National Football League items, and celebrity items. Previous auction items have included gift certificates for resort stays, floral arrangements, designer purses, and a flat screen television.

Along with the auction, funds are raised with a themed basket giveaway, which usually includes up to 18 baskets. Dodds said previous years baskets have included a chocolate basket and a home decor basket. He expects to see a chocolate basket donated again this year.

As in the past, a VisionCorps representative will speak at the dinner. "Last year a VisionCorps participant gave a testimonial, and I have requested one again this year," stated Dodds, who noted that the seaker was blind and carried a white cane. "It would be great if (we can have a testimonial) again."

Dodds noted that the Dinner in the Dark usually attracts more than 70 attendees but that he would like to see a few more this year. He would also like to raise the amount donated to VisionCorps. "We have raised $3,000 the last two years, but I am pushing to make more this year," he shared, adding that a number of local businesses have been contacted about sponsoring the event.

Individuals wishing to purchase tickets or sponsor a table are encouraged to do so before Monday, Oct. 13, by calling 717-435-0706. Dodds added that some tickets may be available at the door. More information may be found by searching for "Paradise Township Lions Club" on Facebook.