For Immediate Release
Contact: Michelle Barlak, (973) 539-4425
mbarlak@seeingeye.org

May 21, 2018

The Seeing Eye Dinner Party Raises $175,000

MORRISTOWN, N.J. - The Seeing Eye held The Dinner Party, its annual fundraiser and tasting event with New Jersey’s top chefs, on Tuesday May 15, 2018. The 3rd annual event was held at The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, and raised over $175,000 for the national non-profit. 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 night was made possible through the support of chefs from some of New Jersey’s finest restaurants, who donated their time and resources, and generous supporters, which included our Best in Show sponsor, The Harris FRC Corporation, along with Marilyn and Lou Stiglitz, The Honorable Governor Thomas and Deborah Kean, LSV Asset Management, Arthur J. Gallagher & CO., Peapack-Gladstone Bank, BlackRock, and Sordoni Construction Services. The event was hosted by Christopher Cannon, the owner of Jockey Hollow Kitchen & Bar. More than 185 guests enjoyed a dining experience that began with a cocktail reception, followed by a six-course culinary experience with wine pairings for each course.

 

Seeing Eye President & CEO Jim Kutsch opened the night with a moving video about The Seeing Eye mission. “This successful annual event is made possible by the amazing chefs who generously donate their time and skill, our sponsors who help cover the cost so that all proceeds may directly benefit our mission, and our volunteers who served on the event committee,” said Kutsch. “We are very grateful for the support of our wonderful guests whose belief in our mission allows us to provide the world’s best guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired.”

 

A presentation by Seeing Eye graduate Lloyd Burlingame had the audience riveted by his remarks.  A copy of one of his books, “Two Seeing Eye Dogs Take Manhattan:  A Love Story” was generously provided to each attendee by Burlingame. The program concluded with auctioneer Bob Milligan offering 12 amazing auction items.

 

The top chefs included:

  • Executive Chef Joseph DiBerardino of The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park
  • Chef Ariane Duarte of Ariane Kitchen and Bar in Verona
  • Chef Elana Iaciofano of Zaza’s Perfect Pie in Morristown
  • Chef Erica Leahy of 3 Daughters Baking Company
  • Chef Andrea Lekberg of The Artist Baker in Morristown
  • Chef Jack McGrath of The Brick Oven in Brick
  • Chefs Nina & Jonathan White of Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse in Milford

 

A “Retriever Rum Runner” specialty cocktail was provided by Brant Braue and the New Jersey Artisan Distillery, and fine wines were provided by David Bowler Wine, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, Skurnik Wines, Vine Street Imports, and VOS Selections.

 

Plans are already underway to celebrate The Seeing Eye’s 90th Anniversary at the 4th annual Dinner Party to be held May 7, 2019 at Ninety Acres in Peapack.

 

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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