Bowling in the Dark

On October 14, 2025, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind held its second annual Bowling in the Dark at Lane Glo Bowl South in New Port Richey. Adventurous teams came together to take on the challenge of bowling under blindfold in support of Lighthouse services for people who are visually impaired and blind. We also had client and family teams who were delighted to play and serious about competing. Congratulations to the teams who placed high on the scoreboard:

• 1st place – Rotary Club of New Port Richey
• 2nd place – Florida Pest Pros
• 3rd place – Jones & Company CPAs PA

Meanwhile, 30 dedicated volunteers ranging from 16 to 65 years of age and the Bowling in the Dark committee worked tirelessly. For many, this was their first time experiencing a blindfold simulation—either firsthand or by assisting clients or blindfolded bowlers. A highlight was McKee, one of the dog guides, rolling the ball into the alley using a bowling ball ramp.

There are so many people to thank for making our 2^nd Annual Bowling in the Dark so successful. Publix Super Markets Charities once again served as our presenting sponsor. In total, we had 21 sponsors, 3 registered teams, nearly 30 silent auction and basket raffle donors, and several gift-in-kind donors.

Volunteers included associates or members of Kohl’s, HSN Outlet/QVC Group, Seniors in Services of Tampa Bay, River Ridge High School Interact, the Key Club, and LED Robotics. Our reigning King Pithla and Queen Chasco, Gary Gann and Angie Gardner, gave the event their royal blessing, and former King Pithla J. David Wright lent his amazing camera skills to document the night.

Please enjoy J. David Wright’s wonderful photography from the event: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WcVxSmw6VoWyk79z8.

Read Blindfolded Bowlers Raise Awareness at Lighthouse Fundraiser by Suncoast News.

Special thanks go to Lighthouse’s Bowling in the Dark Committee member Angel Cook for organizing the volunteers; Committee member Paul Friedlander who was our emcee; client Walter Wright, a participant in our Culinary Work Experience Program, who used his newly developed baking skills to prepare dozens of delicious cupcakes for attendees; and board member Rhonda Warren and staff member Theresa Santana for guiding sighted bowlers through the experience of bowling with a blindfold.

Events like Bowling in the Dark help build understanding of vision loss and the importance of inclusion. Sighted bowlers wore blindfolds during frames 3–6 and 9, and had the chance to meet and bowl alongside clients. Comments from participants included:

“It was such a wonderful event and so nice to be on a client-sponsored team!”

“It took all night to feel comfortable throwing a ball while wearing a blindfold! Kudos to those who can’t see!”

“Bowling with people who are visually impaired really helped me learn about vision loss and the need for inclusive events that allow everyone to come together in the community.”

“It made me feel so useful to help a client team with getting their ball, lining up at the foul line, and debriefing after each play.  But what I valued most was spending time with the team between turns—hearing their stories and learning about their lives and experiences.”

Lighthouse is deeply grateful to everyone who supported Bowling in the Dark a success—from sponsors and volunteers to clients and community members. We look forward to continuing this tradition and welcoming even more teams, supporters, and friends in 2026.

This year, Bowling in the Dark was one of our events that commemorated White Cane Awareness Day. Proceeds from Bowling in the Dark benefit Lighthouse programs and services so we can meet our mission of educating, empowering, and employing people who are visually impaired and blind.