SAVE THE DATE: Foundation Fighting Blindness “Dining in the Dark,” June 3, 2015

The Foundation Fighting Blindness will host a Visionary Awards Dinner, “Dining in the Dark,” on Wednesday, June 3, at The Ritz Carlton, in McLean.

To get first-hand insight into the challenges of the blind community, diners will wear special light-blocking masks and eat their entrée using only their heightened senses of smell, sound, taste and touch. Created in Germany, Dining in the Dark is a one-of-a kind concept that has been enjoyed by many people across Europe before moving to America in 2005.

The event will feature a reception and silent auction, dinner, program and a live auction, and honor Engility CEO and President Tony Smeraglinolo.

“For more than 40 years, the Foundation Fighting Blindness has play a critical role in fighting retinal disease,” Smeraglinolo said. “Through programs like Dining in the Dark, it has raised $600 million to fund the scientific work that is giving hope to those whose vision has been robbed by disease, and I am deeply honored by part of this year’s dinner event.”

Honorary event co-chairs are David Thompson and Bill Ballhaus. Dinner co-chairs are Davida Luehrs and Carol O’Donnell Khalsa.

All proceeds from this event will provide more research for blinding diseases including macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and many other retinal degenerative diseases. The year, the organization hopes to raise $250,000 from the dinner.

Individual tickets are $500.

Click here for more information and to register.