Dining in the dark through the years, click here to view the history

This year's theme is "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" as we celebrate 10 years of Dining in the Dark. 
Before joining us for this year's adventure, take a look back at where it all began. Explore the history of Dining in the Dark and revisit the themes, memories, and moments that have made the event special over the past 10 years.

What to Wear

find inspiration for your your journey down the yellow brick road! If themes aren't your thing, don't sweat it, just wear your semi-formal best. Below is a gif of various costumes inspired from the land of oz

*Costume Regulations: Due to Ohio Regulatory considerations, all faces must be recognizable upon entering the casino. No face painting will be permitted, and masks cannot be worn on the casino floor. Face painting or masks must be brought in a purse or backpack upon arrival and not pulled out until you arrive in the Event Center Ballroom. Additionally, nothing that can be mistaken as a weapon will be allowed.*

online auction live nov 2- nov 7. here is a sneak peek f just a few of the many items that will be available for bidding. kate spade purse, frontier airline tickets, indoor fireplace, turfway park racing & gaming experience, ge 8-electrode scale

Want to donate an item? Here's our Amazon Wishlist!

Donate Now!

Saturday, November 7, 2026  6 PM – 11 PM

Join us as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Dining in the Dark: Follow the Yellow Brick Road, an unforgettable evening of inspiration, entertainment, and impact benefiting CABVI. This milestone celebration honors a decade of Dining in the Dark and the countless lives touched through CABVI's programs and services.

Like Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road, every person served by CABVI travels a unique path toward greater independence, confidence, and opportunity. Throughout the evening, guests will embark on an immersive experience designed to offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that can accompany vision loss. As part of the experience, guests will be invited to enjoy dinner while blindfolded, navigating the meal without sight and experiencing firsthand how everyday activities are more challenging with vision loss.

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning as a longtime supporter, Dining in the Dark promises a meaningful, memorable, and magical evening in support of CABVI's mission: Empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with opportunities to seek independence.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Games to challenge the senses

Online and Live Auctions

Costume Contest

Split the Pot Tickets

Bourbon, Wine, and Vodka Pull

End the night with plenty of dancing!

individual tickets for $190 or 10 tickets for $1,600

Ticket includes dinner, beer, wine, and soft drinks. 

A cash bar is available.

Click the "Register" button at the top of the page to buy your ticket!

interested in becoming a corporate table host?

Be a 2026 Corporate Table Host for $1,600 and receive:

- 1 reserved table for 10 guests
- Recognition as a table host at the event with customized table top signage
- Recognition as table host in the event program

Click the "Register" button at the top of the page to buy your ticket!

Come visit our presenting sponsor and event venue, Hard Rock Casino!

photo of the hard rock casino

Location: Hard Rock Casino Event Center

1000 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Our Emcees for the night:

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B105's Anna Marie

photo of Fritsch with a link to her radio bio page

Q102's Fritsch

Stay tuned for our Client Ambassador & the Barney H. Kroger Humanitarian Award Recipient

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A big thank you to Aaron Bley!

Aaron Headshot 2026.jpg

As we celebrate 10 years of Dining in the Dark, we want to recognize the person who spearheaded bringing this incredible event to CABVI and Cincinnati: Aaron Bley.

Aaron had the vision to bring Dining in the Dark to our community, and through his leadership, passion, and dedication, helped turn it into one of CABVI’s most successful and anticipated fundraising events.

Ten years later, Dining in the Dark has become a beloved CABVI tradition, raising tremendous support for our mission while creating unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections along the way.

Aaron, thank you for bringing Dining in the Dark to Cincinnati and for 10 years of leadership, creativity, and heart. What an incredible milestone to celebrate!

Thank you to our Dining in the Dark Steering Committee

Amy Atterholt

Patsy Baughn

Aaron Bley

Robin Chadwick

Anna Freeman

Mischele Hagood

Carol Lahke

Mary Rust

Lynda Schlarman-Nichting

Sam Telles

Patti Weller-Bresler

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