As we start to roll into our own event season, we wanted to take the time to highlight other GIPC Member events benefitting the Indianapolis community. We spoke with Lise Pace, Vice President of External Affairs at Bosma, to learn more about their upcoming event, Dining in the Dark!
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First off, can you share more about the mission behind Bosma Enterprises?
Bosma Enteprises’ mission is to create opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We do this primarily through employment and training. We sell disposable medical products to federal, state and commercial customers, which in turn, creates jobs for people who are blind who would otherwise face a 70 percent unemployment rate. We also provide rehabilitation training through the Bosma Center for Visionary Solutions. Skills are taught to newly blinded individuals on how to live life without vision – from cooking and cleaning to using a computer and looking for employment. The Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation raises funds to support these critical programs and secure their financial future. In 2021, we were recognized by Mayor Hogsett as the Employer of the Year at the Access and Inclusion Awards.
Tell us more about the history of the Dining in the Dark Event!
For over a decade, guests have donned sleep shades to gain insight into the importance of the training offered at Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions. The event has grown from just a couple hundred to nearly 500.
What will guests experience at the event?
First and foremost, fun! This year our Wizard of Oz themed gala, Dining in the Dark, allows guests to interact with the mission of Bosma like no other event. At each table, you will meet an ambassador directly involved in the mission as a client or employee. There are fun ways to give, like live and silent auctions, but you can also try your chance at several casino tables. And of course, there will be lots of dancing.
But the climax of the event is dinner. Your ambassador will give you some tips and tricks on how to eat dinner in the dark. You’ll be asked to put on your sleep shade as the lights are turned out and eat! We’ve never had any significant accidents if you are uneasy about your tuxes or evening gowns. But it does give a brief glimpse of the importance of learning to live life as someone who is blind and how vital the programs we provide are.
Are tickets and sponsorships still available?
Yes! The event is on September 16, 2023, at the JW Marriott. You can visit bosma.org/dininginthedark for more information or to buy tickets and sponsorships. Our sponsorships include several levels of recognition and, most importantly, tickets to the event.
What other Bosma events can GIPC members attend?
We host three other events to engage with Bosma’s mission:
- Fore! The Cause, November 9, 2023, at Top Golf in Fishers
- Hasbrook Award Breakfast, March 7, 2024, at The Conservatory at Evergreen in Indianapolis
- Bosma Visionary Golf Classic, June 3, 2024, at the Sagamore in Noblesville
Contact me to set up a private tour of our facilities or if you know someone who is losing their vision and need services at lisep@bosma.org.