14th October:

Noted as the premier Hellenic event of the Melbourne calendar, the Radiomarathon Ball organised by Laiki Bank, attracted the who’s who of the Greek and Cypriot community. Treated to a full night of entertainment attendees enjoyed the buoyant atmosphere at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and donated generously to support kids with special needs.

The Radiomarathon Ball in Melbourne is one of 15 fundraising activities organised annually for the benefit of children with special needs. In an effective example of corporate social responsibility, Laiki Bank covers 100% of the net administrative costs of fundraising, ensuring that the maximum proceeds go to the charity.

Amongst the attendees was the Hon Theo Theophanous, Minster for Industry and Trade, Information Technology and Major Projects in Victoria, who commented the work of Radiomarathon. “Radiomarathon is a symbol of what can be achieved when the community, Government and business come together for a common and worthy cause. There is not more important cause than helping children that are in need and for that I commend Radiomarathon and the Laiki Bank which year after year contribute very significant funds to various organisations that help kids.” The minister when on to announce the State Government’s donation of $3000 towards the fundraising.

Also attending the evening was Mr Elefthiaris representing the Consul General of Greece in Victoria who pledged $1000 and Mr Pilavakis representing the Cyprus High Commission. The Chairman of the Radiomarathon Trust Mr Michalis Athanasiou noted, “I am equally honoured to see many of you back again for this year’s event as I am to see the new faces here tonight. As this is my second Radiomarathon in Australia, I am heartened to see that there exists a very strong sense of what Radiomarathon means and I invite our new guests to join what we see as the Radiomarathon Community. It is this generous community that made it possible for us to raise $325,000 last year and will help us to hopefully raise even more this year.

The evening entertainment begun with the Out of the Blue Trio who performed a series of theatrical feats of gymnastics that had the audience sitting at the edge of their seats. Followed later by a Rock’n Roll troupe, marked by fancy footwork and cheeky choreography. The Meraklides band got everyone going with dancing continuing significantly passed the end time of the event. There is no doubt that a highlight of the event was the auctioning of a night at home for 10 of your friends with Melbourne’s golden boy of cuisine Chef George Calombaris of the Press Club. The item went must have nearly been sold half a dozen times before finding the hammer at $12,100!

The next event in the fundraising program for 2007 is the Radiomarathon Sydney Ball to be held on the 26th of October at Le Montage in Sydney, before the radio appeal on the 4^th of November. Sydney sure has its work cut out for it, although last year in true Sydney Melbourne rivalry a last minute donation tipped Sydney passed Melbourne’s total.

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