$65,000 Raised for Dementia Care at Fronditha Care Gala Dinner

The community has dug deep to support Greek seniors diagnosed with severe dementia at Fronditha Care’s Biennial Gala Dinner, with more than $65,000 raised. 

Over 260 people attended the fundraiser on 17 May 2019 at Merrimu Receptions in Murrumbeena, and were entertained by Pantelis Krestas and his band and a spectacular dance showcase by Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture.

The fundraiser went towards the construction of a new 30-bed memory support unit in St. Albans. The full project will see the St. Albans facility expand to 92 beds and include respite services, with construction to begin within the year.

Professor Dennis Velakoulis, Clinical Director of the Neuropsychiatry Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital gave a keynote speech at the event, detailing the alarming rates of dementia in Australia and the lack of specialist care out there to meet increasing demand.

He applauded Fronditha Care for investing so heavily in the establishment of memory support units, especially for hiring bilingual staff to help those who revert back to their mother tongue.

The event’s theme “Your Life, Our Celebration” was dedicated to the residents at Fronditha Care, who are able to continue celebrating what they love while still getting the care they need.

Four residents were singled out, including Nick Spiridis, who used to play his bouzouki to entertain residents at the PRONIA nursing home. He now lives at the nursing home after being diagnosed with dementia, but can enjoy the music program he helped shape.

The event was also a special chance for the community to send off outgoing director Jacob Fronistas OAM and CEO George Lekakis AO.

A former president, treasurer and stalwart of the organisation, Mr Fronistas has given 39 years of his life to Fronditha Care. Mr Lekakis has helmed the organisation for eight years, and was visibly touched with an unplanned standing ovation by guests on the evening.

The large amount raised was a testament to all of the major sponsors and attendees, donors and all those that bought and sold raffle tickets.

Find out more about Fronditha Care.

Major Sponsor: Delta Sales

Bronze Sponsors: Delphi Bank, Bank of Sydney, Bid Food, Midas Insurance, O’Neill Group, Neos Kosmos, D&A Pulitano, Australian Meat Company, Ant1 Pacific, Dominant

Supporter Sponsors: Joannides Funerals, Signwave, Ellikon, Nab Health, Lazogas, Ithacan Philanthropic Society.