History of Blind Date with a Star!
On January 22, 2001, The Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia (LDANS) hosted the first-ever Blind Date with a Star! with Presenting Sponsor, Serca Foodservices Inc, now recognized as Sysco Atlantic.
The idea came from LDANS members and community volunteers who got together in the hopes of creating a fundraising event that would also build awareness about learning disabilities and elevate the profile of LDANS in the external community. The LINKS Children’s Literacy Program, which is the main recipient of the funds raised, had just started the year before, so a fundraising event would give stability to the future of the program.
Blind Date with a Star was derived from a newspaper clipping advertising an event in Victoria, B.C. called the Phantom Dinner, where guests are matched with a local participating venue, all in support of a charity called Santa’s Anonymous Charities. It was seen as a unique way of raising funds and building partnerships with the hospitality industry. So, the committee ran with this idea, adopted the celebrity component, secured a presenting sponsor, and Blind Date with a Star was born.
In the opening year, there were 41 venues and celebrities that participated, many of which are participating this year and have taken part every year since that eventful evening in 2001.
We are so grateful for the tremendous amount of support we’ve received throughout these twelve years from the many different sponsors, table/ticket purchasers, venues, celebrities, volunteers, and event organizers. The event continues to grow each year. In fact, Blind Dates are now happening all over the country in support of other Learning Disabilities Associations! It’s since been implemented in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador and has seen great success for all, a true testament to the concept LDANS helped to create.
As we look to the future, we hope that Blind Date with a Star! will continue to grow and maintain its reputation as one of the most unique fundraising events in the HRM. Over the course of the event’s life, Blind Date has allowed us to support the LINKS program to over one thousand children throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality. LINKS continues to make significant differences in the lives of the children by developing their literacy and writing skills. By supporting Blind Date, you’re supporting this extremely valuable cause.
Please join us for the 12th instalment on Monday, January 23, 2012!