An Extraordinary Evening: Dining in the Dark Awakens the Senses and Shifts Perspective
Helen Keller Services' Dining in the Dark brought together guests at Sands Point Preserve for an evening of dining under blindfold, conversations with DeafBlind leaders about their journeys, and updates on HKS programs and future expansion plan.
On May 17, 2025, supporters gathered in the elegant Castle Gould at Sands Point Preserve for Dining in the Dark—an immersive experience designed to build understanding while supporting Helen Keller Services’ mission of creating pathways to independence for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision.
Stepping Beyond Familiar Perspectives
Thank you to everyone who joined us to experience dining under blindfold, stepping beyond familiar perspectives and awakening your senses in new ways. From the moment guests entered the Great Hall, anticipation filled the air as they prepared for the unique experience ahead.
The evening began with a warm cocktail hour, where guests mingled before the dining experience began. Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services, set the tone with her welcoming remarks, inviting everyone to “step beyond our familiar perspectives and gain insights into the experiences of individuals who are DeafBlind, blind, or have low vision.”
Table Orientation with Maricar: Getting a Feel for It
Under the guidance of Maricar Marquez, Supervisor of Independent Living at Helen Keller National Center, guests learned essential table orientation techniques before putting on their blindfolds. Maricar shared practical tips that she uses daily, encouraging everyone to take their time exploring their place setting through touch and reminding guests that there’s no single “right way” to navigate a meal and that everyone develops their own approach. This careful preparation ensured everyone felt confident for what came next.
At the end of the tutorial, guests put on their blindfolds and were each guided by an HKS staff member to their respective tables, where they began with their first course—a carefully crafted salad that immediately engaged their senses of taste, smell, and texture.
The Dining Experience Begins
As the dining experience unfolded, each guest’s experience was uniquely their own. Some quickly adapted to navigating their meal without the use of their vision, while others took time to acclimate to this new way of experiencing a meal, a conversation, and their environments. The gradual adjustment process was part of the beauty of the evening—watching as guests slowly became more comfortable and confident, discovering new ways to engage with their surroundings.
Throughout the meal, many guests found themselves seated among DeafBlind staff members, creating natural opportunities for connection and conversation that enriched the experience for everyone at the table. Interpreters facilitated these interactions by signing what hearing guests spoke aloud into American Sign Language (ASL), while also voicing the ASL communications from DeafBlind guests for those at the table who were hearing. For some, this was their first time experiencing the fluid multi-directional nature of interpreted conversation, adding another layer of discovery to the evening.
Green Top Farms: A Culinary Philosophy of Connection
Josh Lee, Founder of Green Top Farms, shared the thoughtful philosophy behind the evening’s farm-to-table menu. Each dish was specifically crafted to engage the senses through contrasting textures, captivating aromas, and balanced flavors that told a story without relying on visual presentation.
The locally sourced, seasonal ingredients showcased Green Top Farms’ commitment to environmental stewardship and their seed-to-table approach, creating moments of delight as guests navigated their meals.
Gratitude to Our Visionary Sponsor
We’re deeply grateful to our Visionary Sponsor, Global Industrial, for making this meaningful event possible. Global Industrial continues to demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and empowering all individuals to actively participate in their environments. Their support enables Helen Keller Services to create these important experiences that foster understanding and connection within our community.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our other generous sponsors, LISS Technologies and the McCaffrey Family, whose support helped make this evening possible.
Powerful Conversations: Ryan and Ashley’s Leadership Journey
As dinner service began winding down, we invited our guests to remove their blindfolds and enjoy dessert, coffee, and tea as we began the programming portion of the event.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came during a powerful conversation between Ryan Odland, Associate Executive Director of Helen Keller National Center, and Ashley Benton, Director of Field Services at Helen Keller National Center, who talked candidly about their personal and professional leadership journeys. Both shared how they first came to Helen Keller National Center as participants, their education and early careers, what brought them back to work for HKNC, and what ultimately led them to take on leadership roles within the organization.
Their stories illustrated the continuous cycle of growth that defines the DeafBlind community—where those who receive support and training often return to mentor and lead others on similar journeys. This intergenerational connection demonstrates how knowledge and experience flow in multiple directions, strengthening the entire DeafBlind community.
The audience witnessed firsthand the importance of communication access as their conversation flowed through tactile ASL and voicing by interpreters. Guests learned about haptics—a sophisticated communication method that provides environmental information and helps DeafBlind individuals “read the room” by conveying audience responses like laughter, applause, or engagement levels—gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ways people adapt and connect.
Their stories powerfully demonstrated what’s possible when individuals who are DeafBlind are given the support, training, and opportunities to achieve their full potential. Ryan and Ashley’s openness in sharing their experiences showed the strength, determination, and capabilities that define their journeys—not as stories of overcoming limitations, but as examples of empowerment and achievement.
The evening revealed that accessibility isn’t just about accommodation—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to fully participate and contribute their unique gifts. We deeply appreciate Ryan and Ashley for speaking so candidly and authentically about their experiences, giving our guests a window into their remarkable paths to leadership and the opportunities that can be cultivated for others to follow in their paths.
Expanding Our Impact: Future Growth and Programs
The evening also featured exciting news about Helen Keller Services’ plans for the Children’s Learning Center expansion on Long Island. Jeff Kunkel, Chief of Programs at Helen Keller Services for the Blind, shared details about this important initiative that will serve even more children and families.
This expansion will bring our proven early intervention model to Nassau and Suffolk counties, serving children who are blind, have low vision, or have multiple disabilities through specialized classrooms, therapeutic services, and family support programs. The new facilities will offer enhanced programming and resources, ensuring that children receive the specialized support they need during these crucial developmental years.
Camp Helen Keller: A Summer of Wonder & Discovery
Monica Godfrey-Lehrer, Major Gifts Officer & Manager of Special Events at Helen Keller Services, presented a moving video about Camp Helen Keller. The video presentation highlighted the joy, growth, and connections that happen at camp, and the audience was genuinely moved by what they learned.
For over 70 years, Camp Helen Keller has provided children ages 4-15 who are blind or have low vision with meaningful summer experiences at no cost to families. Hosted at LIU Post Campus in Brookville, NY, our specialized program builds confidence, independence, and lifelong skills through adapted activities including swimming, music, dance, arts and crafts, computer skills, and exciting field trips. At Camp Helen Keller, campers discover new ways to express themselves and connect with others who share their journey. Through generous community support, we continue providing these essential summer experiences that benefit children in school, home, and community settings.
Building Community Through Understanding
At events like Dining in the Dark, we are reminded of the beauty and richness that can be found in experiencing the world from a different perspective. We deeply appreciate connecting with our community of supporters and engaging with new friends, offering everyone an opportunity to learn more about the breadth of our programs and services and the difference Helen Keller Services makes in the lives of individuals we serve across both divisions.
From the thoughtfully prepared meal to the meaningful conversations shared in this unique setting, the lasting impact was evident throughout the evening and long after the formal program ended. We’re confident guests left with deeper understanding, stronger connections, and renewed commitment to creating a more accessible world.
Thank You for Making Magic Happen
Thank you to all who shared this special evening with us! Your presence, openness to new experiences, and generous support make events like this possible and impactful.
Special recognition goes to our incredible volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, the talented team at Green Top Farms for their culinary artistry, the Sands Point Preserve for providing the perfect venue, the Riverdale Steakhouse for providing the wine and spirits, and all our sponsors who made this evening possible.
A Call to Action: How You Can Make a Difference
The evening concluded with a powerful call to action, inviting guests to take meaningful steps forward: engage by joining future events and experiences that build understanding and awareness; connect by introducing their networks to our mission and creating broader opportunities; elevate by sharing stories and experiences to help others understand accessibility; and champion by adding their strength to our mission through ongoing support.
Your partnership enables us to continue creating pathways to independence at every stage of life. Every act of support multiplies our impact and enables individuals we serve to live more independently, find meaningful employment, and thrive in their communities.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on this extraordinary evening, we’re reminded that when we make our communities more accessible, we create opportunities for everyone to contribute their unique talents and strengths. Your presence at Dining in the Dark reflects our shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and independence.
As Helen Keller herself said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” Join us in building a world where barriers are transformed into opportunities and every individual can live, work, and thrive in the communities they call home.
Ready to make a difference? The connections made and insights gained at Dining in the Dark are just the beginning. Every donation helps us expand programs like Camp Helen Keller, early intervention services, and technology training, while also supporting essential communication access that makes independence possible.
Your generosity ensures that children, teens, and adults who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision continue receiving the support they need to achieve their full potential.
To learn more about Helen Keller Services or get involved with our mission, contact us at development@helenkeller.org.
