The Freeman Foundation, in partnership with Baptist Health Corbin, will bring back its unique Lights Out Dinner in the Dark on Oct. 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Corbin Center to benefit Autism Awareness. The event, catered by David’s Steakhouse, invites guests to dine while blindfolded, offering them a rare chance to step outside their comfort zone and experience an everyday activity in a new way.
“We want people to have a different perspective when they see someone who has a disability and to understand a little bit about what they’re going through, how they accomplish daily tasks, but also to realize they’re just like the rest of us,” said Travis Freeman.
Freeman, who is visually impaired, said the idea came years ago after he saw similar programs in Florida and at schools for the blind. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation hosted four or five of these events, including blindfolded 5Ks and even a movie in the dark. This event will be the first dinner since the pandemic.
This year’s dinner will feature keynote speakers Cameron Mills, University of Kentucky basketball champion and minister, and Susan Mills, author and creator of My Autism Tribe. They will share their personal journey as parents of a child with autism.
“The goal this year is to raise autism awareness,” Freeman said.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children 8 and under, and $150 for table sponsorships, with proceeds benefiting the Eastside Club Sensory Gym, Erin’s Hope for Friends, and The Freeman Foundation.
Registration is open at https://Lightsoutdinnerinthedark.eventbrite.com
