Bosma’s Dining in the Dark Announces Co-chairs

Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation invites you to join in raising awareness of life-changing rehabilitative programming for Hoosiers who are blind or visually impaired as part of the organization’s upcoming event, Dining in the Dark.

This year’s event, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the JW Marriott, will feature the expertise of Chris and Anne Dunlavy, both long-standing supporters of Bosma’s rehabilitative programming. At this fan-favorite event, guests are encouraged to wear sleep shades and experience dinner in the dark to raise awareness of the essential rehabilitation programming offered at Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions.

“We are thankful for people close to our organization who have shown dedication to Bosma throughout the years,” said Brandon Wells, executive director of the foundation. “We have been more than grateful for Chris’ leadership as a board member. We look forward to having him and Anne involved in the planning of this incredible event.”

As event co-chairs, Chris and Anne will provide overarching guidance to Dining in the Dark in partnership with foundation leadership. This includes working with vendors, collaborators and sponsors to maximize the economic and charitable impact of this unique experience for all attendees.

“We are thrilled to be involved in the logistics for this memorable event,” Chris said. “I’ve been through Bosma’s rehabilitation programming, and I know the impact Dining in the Dark can have on funding these life-changing projects. I’m honored to be chairing it with my wife.”

Chris went through Bosma’s rehabilitation program in 2014 when he lost his vision. Since then, he has remained involved with Bosma as a friend of the organization and worked as program outreach and education coordinator for Bosma Enterprises from 2015 to 2018. He now serves on the organizations Board of Directors.

“This event is truly an unforgettable experience and such a unique opportunity to raise awareness around what it is like to be visually impaired,” Anne said. “I am so proud to be an active supporter of Bosma and their programming, as it has made a significant impact on our family.”

Tickets for the 2024 Dining in the Dark event are on sale now and available on the foundation website. This year’s theme is Carnavale, Revelry for a Cause. Join us to feel the beat of the samba and be mesmerized by color, feathers and vibrant culture.

Many Hoosiers facing vision loss have difficulty envisioning life after their diagnosis. Bosma Center for Visionary Solution brings hope, courage and independence back into their lives.

For more information about Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation, please visit https://www.bosma.org/foundation.

About the 2024 Dining in the Dark Co-Chairs

Anne Dunlavy
Market Director of Sales and Marketing
Marriott IndyPlace

Anne Dunlavy is a hospitalitarian with a passion for topline revenue generation. She leads a team of 33 managers/associates to generate room and food/beverage revenue for 2,284 rooms of Marriott IndyPlace Hotels. Since leading the team, she has helped increase topline room revenue by 139% and been recognized as Sales Team of the Year  in 2018 & 2022. With over 32 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has become an influential woman in her field, as well as in Indianapolis.

Chris Dunlavy
Ethics and Compliance
Eli Lilly and Company

Chris Dunlavy works within the Global Privacy Office at Eli Lilly and Company. At Lilly, he works with others dedicated to their pursuit of creating medicines that help people around the world. Chris went through Bosma Center for Visionary Solution’s rehabilitation program in 2014, where he learned new skills to adapt and overcome through the use of adaptive technology, a white cane, community resources and his other senses. Prior to losing his vision, Chris was Underwriting Counsel at Fidelity National Financial Company in Indianapolis.

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About Bosma

Rooted in more than 100 years of history, Bosma is one of Indiana’s largest nonprofit organizations providing training and employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Bosma Enterprises, the organization’s business entity, helps socially responsible companies with a focus on supplier diversity expand their sourcing options with high-quality goods and services. Bosma’s Center for Visionary Solutions, located in Indianapolis, served over 1,000 clients last year. Our experienced staff, more than half of whom are blind, offers personalized programs throughout Indiana, ranging from counseling to job placement and daily living skills training. These initiatives help adults gain the life skills they need to remain independent and the job skills they need to stay self-sufficient. Learn more by visiting bosma.org.