The Seeing Eye Raises $145,000 at The Dinner Party

MORRISTOWN, N.J. - The Seeing Eye is pleased to announce that it raised $145,000 at The Dinner Party, a summer event held under the stars at the non-profit’s main campus in Morris Township. The funds raised will directly support the organization’s mission to breed, raise and train Seeing Eye dogs to guide people who are blind and visually impaired.

The inaugural dinner party was made possible through the support of chefs from some of New Jersey’s finest restaurants, who donated their time and resources, and generous sponsors, which included Purina Pro Plan. The event was hosted by, Kent Manahan, an anchor at NJN News for 30 years and current contributor to NJTV. More than 125 guests enjoyed an outdoor dining experience that began with a cocktail reception, followed by a six-course culinary experience with wine pairings for each course.

Chef David Felton of Ninety-Acres at Natirar in Peapack and Gladstone was instrumental in gathering the top chefs which included:

·         Chef Ryan DePersio of Fascino Restaurant in Montclair

·         Chef Ariane Duarte of Ariane Kitchen and Bar in Verona

·         Chef Michael Carrino of Pig & Prince in Montclair

·         Chefs Nina & Jonathan White of Bobolink Dairy in Milford

·         Chef Erica Leahy of Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen in Morristown

·         Chef Andrea Lekberg of The Artist Baker in Morristown

A “puptail” specialty cocktail was provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and fine wines were provided by VOS Selections, Iconic Wines, MFW Wine Co., Vine Street Imports, David Bowler Wine, Juan Prieto Wines, and Wilson Daniels. Coffee, espresso and tea service were provided by Coffee Afficionado.

Seeing Eye President & CEO Jim Kutsch opened the night with a moving video about The Seeing Eye mission. “We are especially grateful to the chefs for their generous donations of time and skill, to our sponsors for helping to cover the cost of this event, and to the volunteers who served on the committee that helped make this night possible,” said Kutsch. “And we are also very grateful to our generous guests for the vital role they played in our overall success. Our supporters’ belief in The Seeing Eye allows us to achieve our mission of providing the world’s best guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired.”

The program also included a live auction hosted by Bob Milligan and a program by Seeing Eye graduate Trish Ebel with her Seeing Eye dog Astro.

Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind. Seeing Eye dog users experience greatly enhanced mobility and independence, allowing them to retain their active lifestyles despite blindness. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts.

The Seeing Eye is a trademarked name and can only be used to describe the dogs bred and trained at the school’s facilities in Morristown, N.J. If you would like more information on The Seeing Eye, please visit the website at www.SeeingEye.org, call (973) 539-4425, or email info@seeingeye.org.

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