The Seeing Eye Gets a Boost in Boonton

Morristown’s venerable Seeing Eye, the oldest existing guide dog school in the world, has a new friend in Morris County—and a sweet one at that.

Heavenly Temptations, a vibrant café and gift shop in Boonton, hosted a fundraiser earlier this month to benefit The Seeing Eye that raised more than $1,500. The “Sweet Treat Night” event offered endless dessert samples—from crunchy mini cannoli, powdery Linzer tarts, and tart lemon bread to a fluffy mountain of tiramisu, hunks of chocolate streusel, and irresistible squares of the house-specialty peanut butter pie—along with a basket raffle, a visit from an adorable aspiring Seeing Eye pup, and plenty of good cheer.

But that was only part of the goal set by Heavenly Temptations owner Ann Cox, who kicked off a campaign in January to raise at least $5,000 for the Seeing Eye by the end of 2011. “I just love the Seeing Eye,” Ann says. “I love dogs. I love what dogs can do for people. It just touches my heart.” Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired.

Another “Sweet Treat Night” will be held in the fall, and ongoing items for sale in the store, including Seeing Eye bracelets and plush pups (including German Shepherds, Yellow and Black Labradors, and Golden Retrievers), continue to support the effort. More Seeing Eye logo items and specialty gifts will be offered by late summer, and Ann is planning to add organic dog treats to her shelves to generate more proceeds for donation.

To find out more about Heavenly Temptations and their Seeing Eye fundraisers, visit them at https://www.heavenlytemptations.com or follow them on Facebook. Their updates list their daily Lunch Specials like Broccoli Cheese Soup; Carrot Soup with Ginger & Lemon; Spinach Mushroom Quiche; Feta, Walnut & Cranberry Salad; and Bread Pudding with Whipped Cream.

Heavenly Temptations is located at 712 Main Street in historic downtown Boonton. They serve homemade food, gourmet coffee and tea, gorgeous desserts, fresh fudge, ice cream, and candy by the pound. The gift selection is eclectic, funky, and very fun, ranging from jeweled belt buckles, cookbooks, hand cream, and greeting cards to specialty packaged foods and wacky potato mashers. Custom gift baskets can be ordered online or in the store. They’re open 7 days a week (Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Saturday 7am-8pm, Sunday 7am-4pm) for breakfast and lunch.

Special Event Tonight: May 26th, 6-8pm. Local author Rob Palmer will be hosting a book signing at Heavenly Temptations for his latest novel, Picasso Prince.