ALPENA — Austin Brothers’ Beer Company is hosting a special event benefitting Leader Dogs for the Blind on Feb. 6.
The fundraiser is set to run from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 6 at Austin Brothers Beer Company, 821 W Miller St. in Alpena.
The event will include a blindfolded dinner challenge where attendees will use their other senses to navigate, blindfolded cornhole and a chance to meet future guide dogs. The goal of the sensory-specific aspects of the event is to raise awareness about guide dog training and their importance.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is a non-profit organization that offers free services to individuals with visual impairments, including travel, room and board, equipment, and training. The organization is fully funded by donors, Lions clubs, corporate partners, and foundations, enabling them to provide over one million days of independence each year.
Juanita Lillie, a current Leader Dogs client who is paired with her second guide dog, Resi, said the work guide dogs do is essential to many who are differently-abled.
“This event will help raise awareness of the need for guide dogs in northeast Michigan,” Lillie said. “Andrea Mroz, puppy raiser/counselor for Leader Dogs said, “Raising future leader dogs takes effort and dedication, but the end result is very rewarding.”
Tickets to this event cost $45 and are available at Austin Brothers’ Beer Company or on the ABBC website. A portion of all proceeds will be donated back to Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Austin Brothers’ Beer Company is a family-owned microbrewery in Alpena, Michigan, was founded by a family from Southern California. It has become a popular spot for quality beer and pub food.