Radiomarathon’s tenth year of helping children with special needs in Australia was marked by record breaking fundraising effort, which totalled $275,000.

In 2005, Radiomarathon organisers Laiki Bank, in conjunction with community groups and schools including the Aradhippou Association of South Australia, St Spyridon College Sydney, St George College Adelaide, Morphou Area Philanthropic Association, the Kalavryta Association, Cypriot Youth of Sydney and the Cypriot Youth of Brisbane hosted 17 fundraising events throughout New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland to make a difference to the quality of life of physically and intellectually challenged children.

Events this year included trivia nights, taverna nights, the launch and annual balls in both Sydney and Melbourne, as well as $35,000 in proceeds from concert ticket sales donated by well-known Greek entertainment promoters the Pambris’ Bos and $10,000 donated by Mr Panos Margarites of Parthenon Marbles, event sponsor in Melbourne.

TAVERNA NIGHTS RAISE $5700 FOR RADIOMARATHON

 A total of $5700 was raised for Radiomarathon at charity taverna nights held in October at Anesi Tavern in Sydney and Yiannis Taverna in Melbourne.  Strong support from the Greek community ensured the success of the evening, with a capacity crowd attending both fundraising nights.Friends and staff of Laiki Bank Australia, organisers of the event, enjoyed a great night filled with dancing, quality food and fun – all in the name of charity.

 RADIOMARATHON RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION

 A Radiomarathon fundraising event held on Friday 19 August succeeded in raising about $10,000 for children with special needs. Hosted by Radiomarathon Committee member Mrs Sandra Gav, the function at Le Sands restaurant in Brighton-Le-Sands, drew a capacity crowd of 120 guests from the Greek Community including NSW Health Minister, The Hon. John Hatzistergos.

TRIVIA NIGHTS RAISE $7000 FOR CHARITY

 Over 200 people turned out to put their brains to the test at Charity Trivia Nights in Sydney and Melbourne, raising $7000 for the Radiomarathon cause. The trivia nights, held in October at the Civic Hotel in Sydney and Moonlight Reception in Melbourne, proved to be not only a contest of knowledge among participants but also generosity amongst participants.

 
RADIOMARATHON 2005 OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN ADELAIDE

 Radiomarathon officially launched its 2005 fundraising drive in Adelaide on Tuesday 25 October 2005. The annual 100 x $100 luncheon hosted by St George College, Mile End signifies the traditional start of Radiomarathon’s efforts to raise money for children with special needs and as usual, the highly anticipated event drew a capacity crowd.

 The event included a gastronomic feast prepared by hospitality students at St George College and succeeded in raising $20,000 for children with special needs.

RADIOMARATHON RADIO APPEALS RAISE $55,000 FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

 Children with special needs will benefit from the record-breaking generosity of the Greek-Australian community who donated to the Radiomarathon Radio Appeal on the weekend. About $55,000 was raised in Sydney, Melbourne and previously in Adelaide via radio stations 1683AM and 2MM in Sydney, 3XY in Melbourne and Doriforos Radio in Adelaide who kindly donated their air space and presenters for the Appeals.

 2005 was a record-breaking year for Radiomarathon all over the world and it means even more children can be helped. The Radio Appeals in Cyprus alone raised about $4.5 million dollars – our largest amount ever and in Melbourne, the total amount raised doubled last year’s efforts. Over $30,000 was raised in Melbourne.

RADIOMARATHON BALL RAISES $70,000 FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

 Radiomarathon Australia’s peak Victorian fundraising event, the Melbourne Annual Charity Ball was held last Saturday 26 November 2005 at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne, raising $70,000, to help children with special needs.The event, sponsored by Parthenon Marble, not only raised awareness and much-needed funds for children who are physically or intellectually challenged, the capacity crowd was also treated to an evening of sensational entertainment. Acts included an interactive stage show by Raymond Crowe, sizzling salsa performed by the City Salsa Club Dancers and music by artists Sandy Constandopedos, Mary Yiakoulis and local band HaBiBis.

Among those present to support the Radiomarathon cause were Victorian Minister for Energy, Industries and Resources, The Hon Theo Theophanous, Mr Fotios Xydas, the Ambassador of Greece in Australia in one of his last appearances before he heads back to Greece to a higher post, Mr Achilleas Antoniades, the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Australia and Mr Eleftherios Kouvaritakis, Consul-General of Greece in Victoria.

 Also voicing her support through a video message was 2005 Eurovision song contest winner Helena Papaprizou, who encouraged everyone gathered at the event to join her in getting behind the Radiomarathon cause.