Dinner in the Dark

Dinner in the Dark is Leader Dogs for the Blind’s signature fundraising event and an experience like no other! Enjoy an incredible dinner under blindfold while helping to raise money to change the lives of people who are blind.

We are looking forward to you joining us on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the MGM Grand Detroit for our in-person event!

While mingling with other guests, have your picture taken with a Canine Ambassador on our “black carpet” entrance, try your luck at the Blind Wine Pull for $25, peruse our pop-up Leader Dog gift shop and try our Walk the Walk experience, an immersive orientation & mobility space where guests can walk with a white cane and participate in daily activity skills. A limited number of Blindfold Walks with a Leader Dog in training or canine ambassador are available with advance purchase.

If you have questions, please contact us at donorsupport@leaderdog.org, or 248-710-1046.

Previous Silent Auction Items

One of Dinner in the Dark's highlights is the silent auction, where you'll have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Browse last year's Dinner in the Dark silent auction items to get a taste for what we might offer this year!

Private Wine Tasting in Your Home – Two (2) Available

Treat yourself and a group of friends or family to a fun, educational and entertaining wine tasting in the privacy of your home. You’ll sample six exclusive wines sourced from around the world with a sommelier. Capacity of 14–18 guests. Donor: Wines for Humanity

Red Wings Tickets with Rehmann Club Access

Let’s go Red Wings! Catch the Red Wings as they face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, April 8 at 1 p.m. Your seats are in Section 132, Row 16, Seats 5-8. Parking included. Tickets include all-inclusive gourmet food & beverage, including draft beer and house wine, in the Rehmann Club. Donor: Sentinel Benefits

One Night Stay + Breakfast at The Daxton

Embrace a full sensory experience in your King Guestroom at The Daxton while enjoying luxurious amenities and service designed to delight. The Daxton is known as a warm, welcoming and luxe place to return after a day (or night) out in Birmingham. Room includes $50 voucher for breakfast in The Daxton’s on-site restaurant, Madam. Donor: The Daxton

Fire Engine Ride Around Town for Four

Two fire trucks parked inside station garage

Have you been dreaming of riding on a real fire engine since you were a kid? Do you have children or grandchildren that would love the experience? You can live out your dream with this unique experience! Donor: Rochester Fire Department

A Day with the Guide Dog Mobility Instructors

Yellow lab in Leader Dog harness stopped at curb with its head tilted and looking forward. Next to it is a person in jean shorts and tennis shoes.

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life looks like for a Leader Dog in training? Do you wonder what guide dog mobility instructors do all day? You can find out while getting some hands-on guide dog experience with this unique silent auction item! Join our instructors while out training, observe the skills being taught to train a responsible guide, and get some one-on-one time to ask al your questions. We promise you will discover something you never knew before about Leader Dogs for the Blind! Donor: Leader Dogs for the Blind

Italian Wine Tasting & Specialty Pasta Dinner

Wood table and chairs with wines in shelves along the walls behind the table

Enjoy a private wine room at Piccirilli Ristorante in Shelby Township for an entertaining and informative Italian wine tasting. You will learn about Italy’s major wine regions and wine styles, taste a wide selection of white and red wines on a north-to-south tour of Italy, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, Caesar salad, and our own pasta specialty dish that you will not find replicated at any other Italian restaurant in Metro Detroit. This is truly a feast for the senses and your palate! Donor: Piccirilli Ristorante

Private Chef Experience

Hand holding a spoon with red liquid dripping onto a plate of food

Host a mouthwatering Personal Chef Dinner Party for up to 10 friends and family in the comfort of your own home. You will have the ability to work with your private chef to create your dream meal, then sit back with friends or family relax while your chef prepares and serves you a truly memorable experience. Your meal will include appetizers, entrees, and dessert. Beverages not included. Up to ten (10) people. Donor: Cass Catering

Feel the Need for Speed

Gray sports car with blurred background as if going fast

Tour the M1 Concourse and a private garage at Michigan’s premier venue for speed enthusiasts. You’ll also receive two tickets for the Woodward Dream Show on Friday, August 18, 2023, and two tickets for the American Speed Festival on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. Date of M1 Concourse tour will take place during one of the two ticketed events.

Detroit Pistons Tickets with Rehmann Club Access

Detroit basketball! Catch the Pistons as they tipoff against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, March 27, at 7:00PM at Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit, MI. Your seats are in Section 121, Row 22, Seats 15–18. Parking included. Tickets include all-inclusive gourmet food & beverage, including draft beer and house wine, in the Rehmann Club. For more information about the club visit Pistons Premium Experience.