A Night Without Sight: Dining in the Dark Returns With an Island Escape

Laid-back, island inspired music, food and fun highlight the 11th Annual Dining in the Dark: Island Edition, presented by the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation and benefiting Lighthouse of Broward, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15 at Margaritaville Beach Resort, 1111 N. Ocean Drive in Hollywood.

Source: Depositphotos

Dining in the Dark guests will be swept away to a vibrant escape where senses take the lead. During the cocktail reception, guests will savor tropical hors d’oeuvres, sip island libations, browse a fabulous silent auction, strike a pose at the photo booth and soak in the ocean breezes. They will then enter an authentic dark dining experience with dramatic, bold and breathtaking moments that awaken the senses. They’ll wear blindfolds during select portions of the evening to feel firsthand the challenges the blind and visually impaired face every day. Dinner is highlighted by a tropical feast, sun-kissed cocktails, exciting live auction, high-energy dance floor antics and live musical entertainment by ReaXtion and a special performance by the Grammy nominated Queen of Dance Music EDM/Freestyle, “Let the Music Play,” SHANNON, whose mom was blind. Emcees for the evening are 101.5 LITE FM morning hosts Tamara Gant and Julie Guy.

Photo courtesy of Lighthouse of Broward.

“We are thrilled to host this year’s Dining in the Dark at the beautiful Margaritaville Resort, for a beachy night filled with good vibes and greater purpose,” said Lighthouse of Broward President and CEO Ellyn Drotzer. “This is a night to relax and enjoy the music, food and company while raising funds for our programs and initiatives that benefit the blind and visually impaired in our community.”

During the cocktail reception, guests will be treated to a special performance by American Heritage School students, under the direction of Orchestra Director Kris Winselmann. They will perform a full rock-reggae set complete with electric instruments and a brass section.

Robert Judd will be honored as this year’s Lighthouse of Broward’s Outstanding Supporter of the Year. Judd has been a generous supporter of the Lighthouse for many years, championing the organization’s mission with extraordinary dedication. Thanks to his generosity, the Lighthouse has been able to change countless lives, giving hope, dignity and opportunity to people who are blind or visually impaired. Judd impacted the life of the Lighthouse’s VP of Public Affairs & Government Relations Jose Lopez during one of Lopez’s most difficult times. When Lopez was transitioning from being sighted to becoming blind, Judd told him he was still an attorney regardless of his vision loss. That simple but profound reminder was the final push Lopez needed to embrace who he was — not as someone diminished by blindness, but as someone who could be even stronger and better. Judd’s words gave Lopez the courage to step forward with pride and confidence.

Guests are encouraged to dress in tropical chic attire. VIP tables and tables of 10 are available. Individual tickets are $250 per person, with limited seating available. Tickets are available here, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Lighthouse of Broward’s mission to serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

In addition to Brilliant Presenting Sponsor, the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, additional sponsors include Radiant Sponsor American Heritage Schools; Sunny Sponsors Future Force Personnel, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Margaritaville Beach Resort, Republic National Distributing Company and the David Kimmel Foundation; Gleaming Valet Sponsor Rick Case Kia Sunrise; Ablaze Sponsors Audacy, Broward County Optometric Association, Nova Southeastern University School of Optometry and Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Bright Sponsors BankUnited, Eye Physicians of Florida LLP,  McKinley Insurance Services and Miller Construction; and Shine Sponsors Marsh McLennan Agency and R&R Electric.

For sponsorship information contact Jose Lopez Masso at JLopez@LHOB.org. For additional information about tickets, contact Tranique Merritt TMerritt@LHOB.org.

By ML Staff. Content courtesy of Lighthouse of Broward.