A recent event collaboration on September 17th brought together Cleanlogic and The Inspiration Foundation to celebrate inclusive workforces through chef and sommelier Abigail Hitchcock‘s marvelous cuisine at a special “Dining In The Dark” event to support the blind.
Held at 80 Fifth Avenue’s penthouse, it featured inspirational speakers and guests such as First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro. Diners had a small taste of what it would be like to be blind as they ate. Interestingly enough, the flavors and smell of food came through stronger when blindfolded, since others senses amplify. The point of the dining experience was to highlight how The Inspiration Foundation has been successful in ensuring that people with all manner of disabilities are hired, supported, and able to thrive within various industries. Cleanlogic shares this mission.
According to Cleanlogic’s website: “Approximately 1 out of 4 Americans is considered disabled, and of this roughly 62 million individuals, only 35% are employed.” Changing these stats is a motivating passion for founders Isaac Shapiro and Mike Ghesser, who have both been personally moved by family members with disabilities.
Isaac’s mom, Bea, became blind at the age of 7 and experienced firsthand the staggering unemployment rate of 70% that persists among the blind and visually impaired. Mike’s eldest daughter, Rosie, is both physically disabled and neurodiverse. His goal is to help change the future for Rosie and other disabled people by providing fulfilling, inspiring and pride-filled employment opportunities.
Abigail Hitchcock (left)
Presenting Dinners In The Dark has been chef Abigail Hitchcock‘s unique concept for nearly two decades now. She currently owns Abigail’s Kitchen, a cooking school and event space that hosts special dining experiences, as well as Betty at 193 Henry Street, a traditional American restaurant co-owned by Hitchcock and Shanny Wise (upstairs from Abigail’s Kitchen). Hitchcock is a certified sommelier and was a contestant on Chopped and a judge on Beat Bobby Flay.
Guests at the Cleanlogic event were treated to Hitchcock’s culinary largess: a fresh salad of mixed greens, pine nuts, cranberries, Montrachet cheese, and fig balsamic vinaigrette dressing, followed by slow-baked salmon with red wine and pineapple reduction or pan-seared chicken breast with mushrooms, artichoke, and white wine, and ending with apple crisp with whipped cream. All exquisite, so if you have not yet dined in the dark or visited Betty, check it out here.
Cleanlogic supports the Inspiration Foundation ethos of diversity, enabling the disabled, and creating a workforce that supports the best of humanity. On top of that, their products are downright incredible, not mention useful.
If you haven’t tried the Cleanlogic Exfoliating Stretch Cloth, pick one up, because you are in for an expansive treat. Ditto for their Makeup Removing Facial Buffers and bath scrubbers that smooth over the long day’s roughness.
A part of Brands with Braille, Cleanlogic has been offering packaging with braille since 2021 and is also cruelty-free and vegan. Cleanlogic is exactly the type of brand that we love to support and promote! See everything they offer at their website here and support them too. They truly make the world a better place, which we absolutely need right now. Donate to the Inspiration Foundation here.
