an evening in the dark to shed light on visual disability

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This Wednesday October 9, 2024from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., the Pasino de la Grande-Motte hosted a unique event of its kind. Under the presidency of Patrice Canayer, former coach of Montpellier Handball (MHB) and regional advisor, a charity gala “Stars in the Dark” was held, organized by France Défi Vision. This event aims to raise funds to finance the creation of a unique guide dog school in France. This will be distinguished by its openness to several disabilities: visual, hearing, motor, as well as autism and age-related loss of autonomy. “We want to create a school that will meet a strong need, by reducing waiting times, currently by three years on average,” explains Jérôme Boscus, deputy president of France Défi Vision and designer of the evening..

The evening was not only marked by the generosity of the guests, but also by an unusual gastronomic experience: a meal served in total darkness, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the shoes of visually impaired people. Three great chefs cooked for the occasion: Jacques Mazerand, Gérard Cabiron and Laurent Cherchi. Supported by the Lycée Hôtelier Régional Georges-Frêche and the Compagnons de Maguelone, caterer Frédéric Husser ensured the preparation and service of the dishes. This sensory immersion invited guests to discover gastronomy differently, relying solely on their taste, smell and touch.

A school to reduce waiting times

The president of France Défi Vision, Thierry Jammes, presented the association and its ambitions for this school which should see the light of day in 2025. An auction will complete the event, with paintings by Patrice Murciano and Jean-Paul Bocaj , an original board by the designer Fabcaro, great wines, as well as high-level sports jerseys and rackets from the Lebrun brothers. The objective of this sale was to further contribute to the fundraising necessary to open this school, which aims to change the lives of many people. “We want to offer people with disabilities the means to become more independent, with appropriate and effective support,” assures Jérôme Boscus.

Today, obtaining a guide dog for a visually impaired person is a
long and complex process. The average waiting time is three years. Training a dog costs around 30,000 euros and requires 18 months of intensive work. Thanks to the school planned for 2025 in Montpellier, France Défi Vision intends not only to reduce these delays, but also to expand the offer by offering assistance dogs for other types of disabilities. This project therefore provides concrete responses to urgent needs. “Our school will provide a solution not only for the visually impaired, but also for people with other disabilities, and even for those with age-related loss of autonomy,” explains the deputy president.

The opening of this school will also have an impact on the cultural and sporting accessibility of visually impaired people. France Défi Vision has already signed partnerships with sports structures such as the MHB, and plans to enter into one with the MHSC. On the cultural side, projects are underway with associations such as Benjamins Media, publisher of audio books, to make exhibitions and events more accessible.

A success already assured?

With 350 guests and profits estimated at nearly 35,000 euros, this evening turned out to be a great success. Jérôme Boscus underlined the importance of raising awareness among regional economic players of this cause. For him, the event has three objectives: to strengthen links with the association’s partners, to raise public awareness and to raise funds. “We are lucky to have loyal partners, but this evening is also an opportunity to rally new ones to our cause. » Claude Hugonnet, treasurer of the association, shares this opinion and promises that the participants will remember this meaningful evening for a long time. With the amount raised, the opening of the school is closer than ever.

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