Pete Smith has some good reasons to donate his time and showmanship to support Vision Australia Dandenong’s Dinner in the Dark fundraiser.
The voice of Melbourne’s GTV 9, veteran radio and TV presenter and comedy performer has served many roles at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight over the years including warming up the audience.
And his 103-year-old father Les is a Vision Australia client.
Pete will be the master of ceremonies at Dinner in the Dark, a fundraising dinner with a difference in support of people across Melbourne’s south-east who are blind or have low vision.
Dinner in the Dark is a fun-filled evening with guests immersing themselves in a world of darkness, eating a three-course meal while blindfolded to simulate the challenges faced by the blind and low vision community while dining out.
Pete says he’s delighted to be MC at this year’s event. “When I heard about the event, I thought it’s a very inventive thing to do, and a wonderful initiative from Vision Australia.
“I’m expecting the unexpected, really. I’ve been looking forward to doing this a long time. My friend John Blackman is normally the MC but he’s otherwise engaged and I’m stepping in with the greatest of pleasure. His daughter Tiffany has been blind since birth, so they have a real affinity with the organisation.”
Pete says his dad remains active, playing a few holes of golf each week despite his vision issues.
“My dad, who is 103, has some vision problems. That may not come and a surprise, but we use the Vision Australia facilities on a regular basis,” he says. “We were at the new shop down at Kooyong last week, and we were most impressed. It’s world class.”
Melbourne South East Regional Business Manager Janet Lloyd-McNelis says she’s thrilled to have Pete Smith on board.
“This annual event is very dear to us. We are so thrilled to see it continue to grow,” Melbourne South East Regional Business Manager Janet Lloyd-McNelis says.
“Not only does it raise vital funds to support our local low vision and blind community but it’s a way to raise awareness of what it’s like to live without one of our senses.”
The event, which is in its fourth year, is flourishing and has moved to a larger venue this year to match the anticipated demand for tickets. The team hopes to raise a record $20,000 on the night, which will feature a silent auction and prizes.
Dinner in the Dark will be held on Saturday 30 June at 7.00pm at Sandy by the Bay in Sandringham.
Single tickets: $95. Table of 10: $900. Tickets are available online here (booking fee applies), by phoning 8971 0201 or at Vision Australia Dandenong office, 45 Princes Highway, Dandenong.