BUTLER TWP — The Blind Association of Butler and Armstrong counties is raising the bar for its largest fundraiser of the year, the 28th annual Harvest Moon Charity Dance.

After raising $18,000 at last year’s event the association has set its goal at $25,000 for this year’s dinner and dance, which begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at American Legion Post 778, 150 Legion Memorial Drive in Butler.

“We work with a lot of wonderful people and we need the money to continue to provide services,” said Jennifer Bindernagel, executive director.

The association serves about 120 clients of all ages who range from visually impaired to totally blind.

“We work with people who have been blind from birth or lost eyesight from accidents or disease. You don’t have to be totally blind to receive our services,” Bindernagel said. “Our most utilized service is transportation.”

Clients can schedule rides to their banks, doctors’ offices or group activities.

“We go inside with the individual to help fill out doctors office paper work. We can actually go inside with you,” Bindernagel said.

The association also provides life skills classes, social activities and employment training.

“Our life skills program is constantly growing,” she said. Crafting was a recent addition to the program, she said.

Working with new clients begins with getting them to concentrate on their abilities.

“When we first meet individuals, they sometimes feel hopeless. When they work around peers who lost their eyesight and our trained life skills coordinator, they can focus on their capabilities instead of their disabilities,” Bindernagel said.

The association staff consists of a life skills teacher, life skills aide and a driver/escort. A team of volunteers also works for the association.

There are about 200 seats available for the fundraiser and tickets remain available, she said. Tickets can be purchased by calling 724-287-4059.

The event includes a buffet, dancing and entertainment.

Sponsorships also are available.