Richard Petty was Honored at the Inaugural North Carolina Dining in the Dark

On October 11, 2011, Richard Petty was recognized as an Honoree at North Carolina's First Dining in the Dark Visionary Awards Dinner benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The dinner was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte and hosted by Marilyn Green. The dinner simulated a very true and real experience of being blind. Guests ate dinner in the dark and were served by visually-impaired individuals.

One of "The King's" Biggest fans was also in attendance. Derek Wynne, 11 years old, was diagnosed at 18 months old with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an incurable disease that causes progressive vision loss. Foundation Fighting Blindness provides support and research for those like Derek. Derek attended Victory Junction Camp in the summer of 2008 and "had the best week of his life", says mom Anita.

"No other person in NASCAR's history has made more of an impact on the sport, on and off the track, than the North Carolina native. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is proud to present Richard Petty with its Visionary Award."

Thank you to the Foundation Fighting Blindness for this honor!