CINCINNATI ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED ANNOUNCES NINTH ANNUAL DINING IN THE DARK
Star Wars-Themed Fundraising Gala Gives Guests Insight Into Everyday Experiences of People with Vision Loss
Cincinnati, OH – September 3, 2025 – Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), the region’s leading nonprofit providing comprehensive services for people who are blind or visually impaired, will host its ninth annual Dining in the Dark fundraising gala on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Hard Rock Casino Event Center, 1000 Broadway, Cincinnati.
This year’s theme, “May the Force be with You”, brings the magic of Star Wars to life while raising awareness about vision loss. Guests will experience a sit-down dinner while blindfolded and participate in immersive challenges, including a Mystery Touch Game to guess items concealed in a box, and Jedi Training, a blindfolded experience to test lightsaber skills. The event provides guests with brief insight into the everyday experiences of people who are blind or visually impaired. The evening also includes a silent auction featuring experiential packages including Kate’s Catering Cooking Class for 12, West Side Brewing Tour, Tasting, and Dinner for 10 and a Bathe an Elephant at the Cincinnati Zoo experience for five as well as raffles and a Star Wars costume contest.
“Dining in the Dark is more than a gala. It offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of someone living with vision loss,” said Aaron Bley, Chief Mission Officer of CABVI. “By spending time without sight, our guests gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by those we serve every day. The funds raised help us continue empowering people with vision loss to live independently and thrive,” Mr. Bley continued.
CABVI is currently seeking event sponsors to help make this year’s gala a success. Confirmed sponsors include Hard Rock Casino (Presenting Sponsor), Essendant, Brandience, First Financial Bank, Taft Law, Cincinnati Eye Institute, Horan Wealth, Metro and Kemba Credit Union. The organization is also seeking donations for the silent auction and auction experience packages.
Tickets for Dining in the Dark go on sale October 1, 2025, at $175 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10. Ticket includes sit-down dinner, wine and beer; cash bar. All proceeds benefit CABVI’s vital programs and services that help individuals who are blind or visually impaired build independence and live full, rewarding lives. For more information, visit https://cincyblind.org/dining.
About CABVI Founded in 1911, CABVI provides comprehensive services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. The agency helps more than 4,000 people annually adapt to vision loss in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. CABVI provides employment in our Industries Program selling products to Federal government customers through the Ability One program. CABVI also sells office products through vie-ability.org. The agency operates a Base Supply Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and provides employment in Contract Management Services as well as transportation logistics. For more information, call (513) 221-8558 or visit www.cincyblind,org
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