Foundation Fighting Blindness Dining in the Dark Opens Guests' Eyes to Challenges of the Visually Impaired, Benefits Sight-Saving Research
Foundation Fighting Blindness Dining in the Dark Opens Guests’ Eyes to Challenges of the Visually Impaired, Benefits Sight-Saving Research
NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR on FOX Analyst, Darrell Waltrip, and President & General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Marcus Smith, To Receive Visionary Awards
Charlotte, NC (August 12, 2013) — The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a national nonprofit focused on finding preventions, treatments and cures for retinal diseases, will present its Visionary Award to Darrell Waltrip, NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR on FOX Analyst, and Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, at its 3rd Annual Charlotte Dining in the Dark. The unique fundraiser, taking place on Wednesday, October 9, at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center, will raise critical awareness about the impact of sight loss by giving guests a unique, first-hand glimpse into the lives of the visually impaired. It will also benefit the Foundation’s research into gene, cell and pharmaceutical-based therapies for blinding retinal diseases including macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa that affect more than 10 million Americans, young and old.
Dining in the Dark is a distinctive sensory awareness experience in which
guests participate in an unforgettable dining adventure, in complete darkness.
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.
“Reactions to Dining in the Dark are truly powerful because people often don’t
realize the daily obstacles of living with low to no vision,” said Marilyn
Green, Dining in the Dark chair and Foundation board member. “We are thrilled
to recognize the professional accomplishments and community leadership of two
key members of the NASCAR community, as we support promising research to save
and restore sight.” Green, of Greensboro, North Carolina, has a storied NASCAR
history as the original, iconic Miss Winston, who would greet race winners in
Victory Lane. Visually impaired due to the genetic disease retinitis pigmentosa, Green, along with her husband Dean—the
evening’s Innovator Sponsors—have passionately supported the Foundation for
more than three decades. And, Green has not allowed sight loss to impede her
success in business, as founder and owner of Marilyn’s Model and Talent
Management.
The Foundation’s Visionary Award will be presented to Darrell Waltrip, whose
successful racing career spanned 29 years and included winning 3 NASCAR
Championships, the Daytona 500 and the Winston 500. He was named NASCAR’s “Most
Popular Driver” in 1989 and 1990, as well as “American Driver of the Year”
three times. After retiring from NASCAR, Waltrip became the sport’s lead
analyst for FOX Sports and has been voted “Most Popular Announcer” on
NASCAR.com. He also wrote the “The New York Times” best-selling
autobiography, “DW: A Lifetime Going Around in Circles,” appeared as himself in
the film “Talladega Nights,” and lent his voice for the movie “CARS.” In 2012,
Darrell was inducted in to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Also being recognized is Marcus Smith, president and general manager of
Charlotte Motor Speedway. Considered NASCAR’s home track for more than 50
years, Charlotte Motor Speedway annually hosts prestigious NASCAR events such
as the Coca‐Cola 600, Sprint All-Star Race and Bank of America 500, as well as
nationally recognized AutoFairs, NHRA drag racing and World of Outlaws races.
Smith is also president and chief operating officer of the speedway’s parent
company, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), which owns and operates eight
speedways across the country, hosting 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. And,
he serves as vice chairman of Speedway Children’s Charities, a national
fundraising organization that provides for children in need by supporting
hundreds of local nonprofit agencies on an annual basis.
What:
Charlotte Dining in the Dark, benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Where:
The Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center
10175 Weddington Rd. NW
Concord, NC 28027
When:
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
6 p.m. Reception
7-9 p.m. Awards Program & Dining in the Dark
Individual tickets are $350 each and sponsor packages begin at $2,500. For
ticket and sponsorship information, please contact Lesley Ireland at (866)
782-7330 or LIreland@FightBlindness.org. To RSVP
as a member of the media or schedule an interview with an event spokesperson,
please contact Jessica Blasco at (410) 423-0619 or JBlasco@FightBlindness.org.
Since 2011, the Charlotte Dining in the Dark has raised over $450K for
sight-saving research and past honorees include Richard Petty, Richard
Childress, O. Bruton Smith and Mike Helton. To download high-resolution photos
from last year’s event,
click here.
About Foundation Fighting Blindness
The Foundation Fighting Blindness
is a national non-profit organization driving the research that will lead to
preventions, treatments and cures for retinitis pigmentosa, macular
degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative
diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans. Since 1971, the Foundation
has raised more than $500 million as the leading non-governmental funder of
retinal research. Breakthrough Foundation-funded studies using gene therapy
have restored significant vision in children and young adults who were
previously blind, paving the way for additional clinical trials to treat a
variety of retinal degenerative diseases. With a coveted four-star rating from
Charity Navigator, the Foundation also has nearly 50 chapters that provide
support, information and resources to affected individuals and their families
in communities across the country.