Guests gathered in support of CBA at this year’s Dining in the Dark event.

CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services recently held its annual Dining in the Dark fundraiser at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.

Nearly 190 attendees took part this year, placing their blindfolds on, holding onto their dining partners and eating a unique meal in complete darkness. The event lets attendees experience a meal without vision, helping participants recognize their dependence on sight and the difficulties encountered by those who are blind.

“Dining in the Dark was established over 13 years ago to further CBA’s mission and raise awareness about visually impaired individuals, along with the various services that CBA provides in our community,” said Megan Maynard, CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services executive director. “It’s fantastic to see this event become a cherished tradition for many, while also drawing in new participants each year. This year, we welcomed many newcomers. I’m so happy to be able to share with such a big group what CBA does for its clients and area youth.”

CBA has continued to receive help at the event from the JCC Occupational Therapy Assistant students and the State University Fredonia Medical Professions Club. The students, along with several other community members, volunteer as sighted guides for each table of dinner guests.

Maynard spoke at the dinner, emphasizing that while CBA’s mission is to assist those who are visually impaired, there is also a strong focus on preventive measures.

“This school year, our Youth Vision Screening program has successfully screened over 5,300 children in 101 locations across Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties,” Maynard said. “We rely entirely on the generosity of our community through fundraisers like Dining in the Dark, as well as donations and private grants, to sustain this program. We are truly grateful for all the support we receive, which allows us to ensure that children have the best vision possible.”

CBA conducts vision screenings for children in pre-kindergarten through first grades and refers them to several different local eyecare professionals for care if needed.

After dinner, a video presentation was shared with guests, highlighting two of CBA’s clients, a married couple who are each blind. With the help of CBA’s Vision Rehabilitation program, they have been able to remain independent and active in their home, workplaces, and communities. The couple attended the fundraising event and spoke briefly about their experience with CBA. Guests received a surprise song from the couple, as they both are active with music and like to sing in their local church. The community can view their story on www.cbavision.org, along with other client-highlighted videos.

Gene West, president of CBA’s board, introduced Alex Grace, a fellow board member and the son of the late Dr. Tim Grace. Grace spoke about his father’s legacy and the Dr. Tim Grace Sight for Success Fund. He recognized that since 2019, the fund has provided thousands of dollars in financial assistance to families applying for support toward eyecare. This fund aligns with CBA’s Youth Vision Screening program, helping numerous children receive eye care. The fund depends solely on donations. For details on how to contribute specifically to the fund, contact CBA.

The Louise Tefft Award was presented this year to the SUNY Fredonia Medical Professions Club, represented by Ted Lee. The award is named after Louise Tefft, a former client and strong supporter of CBA. The club has consistently volunteered each year, which is essential for CBA to successfully host an event of this size.

There were also several basket giveaways and auctions that took place throughout the evening. Some of the auction items included several wood items made by clients, Buffalo Bills autographed memorabilia items, a Canadaway Creek fly fishing excursion, and an autographed photo and items from local native Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles.

“On behalf of the Chautauqua Blind Association’s Board of Directors, I want to give a shout out and a great, big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who made this year’s Dining in the Dark event possible and successful,” West said. “This annual event shows the power of community, the unity of contributors to a cause, and benefits those who are visually impaired throughout our communities. Thank you to Megan Maynard, executive director, her staff, our volunteers, participating board members, sponsors, and everyone else who made this event bigger than ever so that our mission may continue through Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.”

Visit www.cbavision.org to see photos, top sponsors, and information from the event, as well as more information on CBA programs.