Bosma Announces Dining in the Dark Co-Chairs

Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation announced its two co-chairs. Tammy Butler Robinson, chief executive officer of Engaging Solutions, LLC, and Deana Haworth, chief executive officer of Hirons, will serve as co-chairs for the fundraiser gala, scheduled for Sept. 16 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis.

“Dining in the Dark is an opportunity for the community to come together to provide essential support for people who are blind or visually impaired,” Butler Robinson said. “I am honored to help ensure that the night will be a success for Bosma and, by extension, the clients who receive vision rehabilitation and training through Bosma’s programs.”

The signature event raises critical funds to help Hoosiers regain their independence and hope after vision loss. During dinner, guests are encouraged to wear sleep shades and experience dinner like a person who is blind. Table ambassadors guide attendees through the meal and share the story of Bosma and navigating life with vision loss.

“This event reminds us that people with vision loss face significant barriers,” Haworth said. “But Bosma serves as a lifeline for those in need of help. Dining in the Dark provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness for such an important cause.”

Both co-chairs have been personally impacted by blindness and vision loss. Butler Robinson’s son is legally blind, and Haworth’s grandfather lost his eye in a near-fatal hunting accident when he was only 17 years old.

“Tammy and Deana have been advocates for Bosma and believers in our mission for a long time,” said Brandon Wells, executive director, Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation. “It’s fitting that they agreed to serve as co-chairs for one of our most critical fundraisers. With their expertise, I know this year’s Dining in the Dark will be an event to remember.”

The public is invited to attend Dining in the Dark. The event will feature an auction, guest speakers, dinner, a live band, dancing and more. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online. To learn more about Bosma and Dining in the Dark, please visit bosma.org/foundation.

About the 2023 Dining in the Dark Co-Chairs

Tammy Butler Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Engaging Solutions, LLC

Tammy Butler Robinson has earned a reputation among Indiana nonprofits, Fortune 500 corporations and state government agencies for her successful strategies to engage stakeholders, lead legislative initiatives, and develop and monitor budgets for large-scale projects. With over 25 years of experience in health and human services as well as housing and community development, she has become an influential woman in Indianapolis. Through her expertise in public finance and management, she brings a unique perspective to the projects she supports. Tammy serves as current member and past president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Indianapolis Chapter; currently serves as Board Member for the Indianapolis Commission for Social Status of Black Males, and also sits on the Board of Directors for Indy Chamber. She was also named as Torchbearer Award Recipient by the Indiana Commission for Women in 2018 and also received the Distinguished Hoosier Award in 2007.

Deana Haworth
Chief Executive Officer
Hirons

Deana Haworth began her career as a public relations specialist at Hirons and immediately assumed an upward trajectory. Now a 23-year veteran of the agency, she serves as chief executive officer and is the first woman in this role. Deana earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America and routinely donates her time to leadership organizations and other nonprofits throughout Central Indiana to provide training on crisis communications and stakeholder outreach. She serves on the boards of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Indianapolis Downtown Marketing, Inc., Crossroads of America Council and Indy Chamber. She is a trustee of Franklin College. She was also named a 2018 Woman of Influence by the Indianapolis Business Journal.

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About Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation

The Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation exists to support Bosma’s mission to create opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired by providing rehabilitation and employment placement services through Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions. To continue to meet the needs of Bosma’s clients and grow the Center’s impact, the Foundation has launched a comprehensive campaign to raise $1 million to support the organization’s programs. To double the impact of the campaign, a matching gift is in place through the end of 2023. Funds raised at Dining in the Dark will contribute to the campaign goal. To learn more, visit bosma.org/foundation.