Dining in the Dark is a powerful and unforgettable fundraising experience where guests enjoy a meal while blindfolded - gaining a small insight into the daily experiences of people living with low vision or blindness.
By hosting or attending a Dining in the Dark event, you’re not only sharing a meal – you’re helping provide life changing support through Guide Dogs Queensland.
HOW IT WORKS
Hosting is simple, powerful and a lot of fun.
Choose the style that suits you and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Hosting a Dining in the Dark event is a unique way to bring people together while raising funds for Guide Dogs Queensland. Whether you’re a business, community group, school or individual, we provide the tools and support to help you create an unforgettable experience.
As a host, you will
- Make a real difference by raising vital funds for people with low vision or blindness
- Share a memorable, eye-opening experience with your guests
- Bring your team, friends or community closer together
- Show your support for inclusion and accessibility in a meaningful way
No venue is too big or too small – from restaurants and corporate offices to homes and community halls.
Find an upcoming event near you and take part in this immersive sensory experience. Enjoy a meal without sight, challenge your senses, and help raise funds for Guide Dogs Queensland.
Register your event
Pick a date any time that suits you. Register online to create your event page and unlock your free host kit.
Dine in the dark
Invite your guests, serve breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and ask everyone to wear a blindfold for part (or all) of the meal. Use our table guides and activities to help guests safely find their way around their plate.
Make a life-changing impact
Collect donations online or in person, then bank your funds through your event page. Every dollar helps train and support Guide Dogs and other vital services.
WHY HOST A DINING IN THE DARK EVENT?
Hosting is simple, powerful and a lot of fun.
Choose the style that suits you and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
A Dining in the Dark event is more than a fundraiser—it’s an immersive, empathy-driven experience that meaningfully connects participants to the mission of supporting people living with low vision or blindness.
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Spark powerful conversations about inclusion and accessibility.
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Raise vital funds for Guide Dogs Queensland services.
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Create a unique, memorable experience for friends, colleagues or customers.
"As soon as I met Kiki, I just loved her. I just knew… this is my new journey. She’s even given me a voice. I stand for my own self now."
— Penny, Guide Dogs client
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING?
- A safe dining space (home, workplace, restaurant, or community venue)
- Seating and table space
- Blindfolds for the guests
- A simple, easy to serve menu
How do you ensure guest safety during the event?
- Seat guests before applying blindfolds
- Brief guests before starting
- Keep lighting on in the venue – guests are blindfolded so the room does not need to be dark
- Clearly manage food allergies and dietary requirements
How can I raise funds and is there a minimum I need to reach?
There is no minimum requirement – every dollar makes a difference.
You can raise funds through
- Ticket sales
- Donations
- Raffles
- Corporate matching
- Online fundraising page
How are blindfolds used during the dining or activity portions of the event to simulate navigating without sight
- Guest remain seated while blindfolded
- Blindfolds should be comfortable and fully cover vision
- Guests can remove blindfolds at any time if they feel uncomfortable
What support will I receive from Guide Dogs Queensland to help run my event?
- A free host kit
- Promotional materials
- Fundraising guidance
- Impact messaging
- Banking instructions
- Ongoing support from our team
HOST A DINING IN THE DARK YOUR WAY
Every event is different - choose the style that suits your guests and your space.
Home dinner party
Set the table, dim the lights and invite your favourite people over for a shared, blindfolded meal. Perfect for families, flatmates and friend groups.
Workplace or corporate event
Turn your team lunch, strategy day or client night into a powerful inclusion experience. Great for team building and corporate social responsibility.
Café or restaurant partner
Collaborate with your local café or restaurant to host a Dining in the Dark sitting. We’ll provide the toolkit, talking points and signage – you bring the food and atmosphere.
EXPERIENCE THE IMPACT BEYOND THE TABLE
Your Dining in the Dark event helps fund vital services for Queenslanders with low vision or blindness.
Could pay for a puppy play kit.
Could pay for a new rainbow cane.
Could pay for a Guide Dog harness.
Could pay for vet checks.
REGISTER TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE HOST KIT
When you register your Dining in the Dark event, we’ll send you a free host kit with everything you need to create a safe, meaningful and fun experience.
- Blindfolds for guests
- Donation signage and posters
- Table cards with facts about vision loss or blindness
- Host booklet with menu ideas, safety tips and event activities
- Guiding tools including the “clock face” plate guide and conversation prompts
Host kits available while stocks last. Digital resources are always available for download.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO HOST WITH CONFIDENCE
Menu
Sight-friendly serving tips, easy-serve dishes and sensory-rich menu ideas.
Activities & games
Blindfold challenges, taste tests and empathy-building activities.
Host your own
Dining In The Dark Event
