MIRA Foundation USA announces several spring fundraisers and a student assessment and training scheduled for April in the Sandhills.

The first event is MIRA’s second annual Dining in the Dark dinner to be held at the Country Club of North Carolina on Saturday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Dining in the Dark is a unique experience where guests savor a four-course meal while blindfolded, thus engaging senses other than sight.

The results are often humorous, certainly revelatory, and, in the words of one of last year’s guests: “transformational.”

“Last year’s Dining in the Dark was so successful, thanks to the generous support of approximately 240 attendees and our founding corporate visionary partner, Carolina Eye Associates, we were able to pair our first dog and student,” says a spokesman.

On the same weekend, prospective student candidates for MIRA guide dogs will gather in downtown Southern Pines on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to undergo orientation and skills assessment training as well as experiencing hands-on work with trained MIRA dogs.

The public is invited and encouraged to come out from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3, between Connecticut and West Pennsylvania avenues to observe the trainers and dogs working with the blind students.

On Sunday, April 10, high school students from The O’Neal School, Pinecrest High, and Union Pines High will be gathering at Landmark Farm at 11 a.m. on Youngs Road for a 5K FunRun Walk to benefit MIRA. This is a challenge benefit with a perpetual trophy going to the school that raises the most money.

“To support your favorite school and MIRA, please send a check to MIRA at 112 N.Poplar St., Aberdeen, NC 28315 with the name of the school,” says the spokesman.

And on Saturday, April 16, Sandhills Community College students and friends are gathering behind the Dempsey Center for a FunRun Walk around the Southern Pines Reservoir. A health fair will be going on at the same time, so the public is encouraged to drop by and learn about current trends in healthy living while also getting their picture taken with MIRA guide dog Devon.

MIRA Foundation USA, based in Aberdeen, is the only organization in the United States providing guide dogs to blind students between the ages of 11-16. There is no charge to the recipients for this service.

MIRA also provides targeted educational outreach to the public and support for the families of the blind.

For more information visit www.mirausa.org or call the office at (910) 944-7757.