Subject: Dining in the Dark in Cincinnati

Cincinatti Enquirer, Ohio Thursday, June 08, 2006

Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired to host "Dining in the 
Dark" event

(EXTRACT)

Lights will be turned very low for an unusual fundraiser at the Hyatt 
Regency Cincinnati, downtown, 7 p.m. June 17. Very low.

That's when Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired will host 
"Dining in the Dark," a four-course meal and silent auction honoring 
Clovernook board member Dr. Richard Kerstine.

For the event, banquet room lights will be dimmed and guests will be given 
sunglasses to wear while dining. The idea is to show others what it's like 
to perform simple tasks such as eating with low vision.

"We thought this would be an interesting way to bring people into 
Clovernook," says Kathy Ivie, vice president for development and community 
relations for the College Hill nonprofit organization.

Event proceeds benefit Clovernook's Low Vision Services, which helps those 
with progressive vision loss.

The "dining in the dark" concept originated in Europe in 1999, and similar 
events have been done since in New York and Los Angeles, but usually on a 
smaller scale. Clovernook hopes to attract as many as 350 guests for this 
event.

"One of the things we knew had to do was make the food interesting without 
people being able to see it," fundraising coordinator Suellen Chesley says. 
"The menu has to stimulate their other senses."

The Hyatt catering staff developed a menu featuring a cold, spicy soup; soft 
and crunchy salad and presliced steak au poivre. Catering manager Mark Lamb 
says guests will be able to remove their sunglasses if they feel 
uncomfortable. Bibs will be available.

"We think this may be one of those times when eating with your fingers is 
acceptable," Lamb says.

Tickets begin at $100 per person. Information: 513-947-8825.

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