Blind Start of America Holds Successful Premiere Event

By Larry Caballero


Blind Start of America’s President and Founder Brian Tom wanted to hold his premiere event Dinner in the Dark at the Cerritos Sheraton Oct. 10 in recognition of World Blindness Awareness Month. The event was branded by Tom as a special visionary experience…blindfolded to give guests a greater understanding of the plight and challenges that the blind and visually impaired experience each day.
“I hope this knowledge will empower us all to work together with BSA to make positive changes for thousands of Persons with Disabilities,” said Tom, who has been blind for the last seventeen years.
“Although I lost my sight, I never lost my vision to communicate with the world that we are not disabled, just differently abled.”
Special guests included Board of Supervisor Don Knabe, Cerritos City Councilmember Jim Edwards, ABC School Board member Maynard Law and Los Cerritos Community News Publisher Brian Hews. Everyone enjoyed cocktails and a private wine tasting, entertainment by the International Peace Choir that sang several songs including “Let There Be Peace On Earth”, and lessons on how to eat blind before dinner was prepared by Chef Carlos Garcia.
Many guests attempted to eat with their blindfolds while others were seen trying to peek over or under theirs. Commissioner Lily Kuo and Financial Planner John Meinert are to be commended for not removing their blindfolds during most of the dinner and program.
After Motivational Remarks and a Scholarship Ceremony by Tom, there was a centerpiece drawing game and a live auction. The closing performance by professional singer Emy Baysic was mesmerizing as she sang numbers from “Les Miserables”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Miss Saigon”.
It was a very special evening that will be cherished for many years to come and a visionary experience that will not soon be forgotten.