10/09/2026
GRATEFUL HEARTS. INCREDIBLE GENEROSITY. A NIGHT THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude as we reflect on the 12th Annual Dining in the Dark Awareness Fundraiser! What an unforgettable evening filled with compassion, generosity, fellowship, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
This event is about so much more than a fundraiser. It is about shining a light on those who are too often overlooked, raising awareness for visually impaired individuals and older adults that are out of sight, out of mind, and ensuring our precious seniors know they are valued, loved, and never forgotten.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
✨ To our incredible sponsors and generous donors: Thank you for believing in our mission, investing in our seniors, and sharing your resources and hearts to make this evening possible. Your generosity makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we are privileged to serve.
✨To our amazing volunteers: You are the heart and hands behind this event! Countless hours, thoughtful details, creative talents, and selfless acts of service go into making this evening special. So much happens behind the scenes that many never see, but every effort matters. We could never accomplish all that we do without you!
✨ To every guest who joined us: Thank you for giving your time, supporting our mission, participating in the excitement, and choosing to stand alongside Johnson County Senior Services. Your presence helped make this night meaningful, and your support helps us continue serving older adults throughout our community.
✨ To Melhani Ake: Thank you for being such a fabulous Master of Ceremonies! Your warmth, professionalism, and gracious willingness to give of your time helped make the evening flow beautifully. We are so grateful you shared your talents with us!
✨ To Joe Ake Productions: Thank you for generously sharing your time, expertise, and incredible talents. Your contribution helped bring our event to life, and we truly appreciate you!
✨ To David Britton, our amazing auctioneer: Thank you for bringing your enthusiasm, heart, and talent to our live auction! You helped make this part of the evening exciting, engaging, and memorable.
✨ To Pastor Brian Clark: Thank you for sharing a heartfelt message that reminded us of the importance of compassion, service, and loving others well. Your words touched our hearts and brought special meaning to the evening.
✨ To Somethin’ Sassy: Thank you for your generous contribution that added an extra measure of FUN and excitement to our event! Your kindness helped create wonderful memories for our guests, and we appreciate your support more than words can say.
✨ To Bri and the talented chef at The Garment Factory and the entire Garment Factory team: Thank you for your hospitality, hard work, flexibility, and partnership in helping us bring this special evening together. We are grateful for the care and attention you gave to making our event such a success!
✨ Thank you to JP Parker Flowers for creating beautiful centerpieces that added to the ambience of the evening and value as they were auctioned off!
🏆 A VERY SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS! 🏆
💙 Wendy Sanders, 2026 William T. Murphy Servant’s Heart Award Recipient
Wendy, this recognition is a beautiful reflection of your humble spirit, faithful service, and the heart you have poured into Johnson County Senior Services and the older adults in our community. Your dedication and compassion exemplify what it truly means to serve others selflessly. We are so grateful for you and honored to celebrate you!
⭐ Terry McGuire, Rising Star Award Recipient
Congratulations, Terry! Your recognition celebrates the impact you are making and the promise of all that is still to come. We are so proud of you and grateful for the heart, dedication, and spirit you bring to serving others!
As we reflect on this incredible evening, we are reminded that we may never fully know the impact of a kindness, a gift, a volunteer hour, or a heart that chooses to serve. But together, those acts of kindness create something extraordinary.
At Johnson County Senior Services, we have the privilege of serving thousands of individuals each month, helping older adults maintain their independence, remain in their homes as long as possible, and live with dignity. Behind every number is a precious person with a story, a family, a need, and a life that matters.
And because of YOU, we can continue making a difference.
To everyone who played a part in our 12th Annual Dining in the Dark, please know that your generosity did not go unnoticed, your time was not taken for granted, and your kindness will reach far beyond one beautiful evening.
We are more than a community. We are a family of people who care.
From all of us at Johnson County Senior Services, thank you for helping us SHINE a light on those who deserve to be seen, valued, and celebrated.
With grateful hearts and endless appreciation,
Johnson County Senior Services
Serving our seniors. Strengthening our community. Making a difference, one life at a time. Blessings to you all!
