The evening weather could not have been more perfect on October 7th for the sixth annual Shot in the Dark Night Golf Tournament and Wine Dinner when 88 golfers and 102 wine diners showed up at River Crest Country Club. Guests were greeted by both two legged and four legged members of the Lone Star Guide Dog Raisers – Fort Worth and directed into the reception.
Following welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies Jeff Jamison of CBS 11, guests enjoyed perusing the silent auction while enjoying appetizers and cocktails. Golfers ventured outside for early practice where they also enjoyed Dinner on the Green before teeing off at sunset.
Wine diners were treated to a gourmet dinner paired with wines from the Stags’ Leap Winery. Fran Baker joined Jamison to fully describe each wine. A highlight of the dinner came when Lighthouse consumer Kay Littlejohn shared her personal story and heartfelt feelings as to how the Lighthouse has impacted her life. She summed it up this way, “I never thought I would be here at this moment, travelling independently, smiling, feeling good about me, and enjoying the company of other people. When I lost my sight, I thought my life was over. Thanks to the training by the Lighthouse, I enjoy each day and have hope for my future.”
Golfers rejoined the wine dinner guests for dessert, close of the silent auction and the awarding of trophies. Special congratulations to the teams representing Texas Capital Bank and Frost Bank for having best scores of the evening.
An event of this magnitude requires the support and efforts of many – sponsors, auction donors and volunteers. Those names are gratefully recognized on subsequent pages in this newsletter. The Lighthouse also would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the hardworking committee, several of who have been involved for several years.
Participation in the 2016 Shot in the Dark is more than just about donating an item or playing a fun game of golf or enjoying a delicious dinner entree with a nice glass of wine; it is about making a difference to someone who is blind by providing them the means to acquire the skills, support and confidence that will empower them to lead an independent, successful life. Net proceeds will directly benefit local youth and adults who are blind or have low vision – individuals like Kay Littlejohn.