I have done events for royalty, presidents of companies and nations, brides and accountants. None of these prepared me for the Foundation Fighting Blindness gala. Why would you book the most beautiful, iconic ballroom in NYC at The Plaza and then make the room pitch black? Well, your guests - after enjoying the luxury of cuisine and Plaza service with their appetizer - have an opportunity to experience what the visually impaired have for a lifetime.
Did you feel your mashed chicken potatoes and asparagus? How do you refill your wine glass? What happened to the fork? Our staff started and ended the evening and helped the blind waiters get to the room to serve the entrées. It was a disorienting and yet exciting experience for everyone involved including our director who used night vision glasses to check the service. The feeling in the room was festive and loud as guests chatted and ate in the dark. When the lights came up, the roar of the crowd was diminished with light as guests and staff surveyed the room. Eyes opened, appetites were sated with great food and the focus on our regular service was sobering. Everyone enjoyed dessert and remembered how sweet life is for those of us with the gift of sight.
