WALLARA’S Dinner Under the Stars will this year feature a well-known star on the rise.
Moira Kelly rescued Emmanuel Kelly, 18, from an orphanage in Iraq and brought him to Australia for life-changing surgery 12 years ago.
He’d suffered limb deficiencies as a result of chemical warfare but hasn’t let his disability hold him back.
“I have actually been through nothing compared to some of the other kids I have met through Mum,” he said.
Emmanuel melted millions of hearts around the world when he sang John Lennon’s Imagine in an audition for Channel 7’s X Factor last year. He has an 18-city tour of the US and Canada ahead in June and will appear on US television show Glee.
He’ll perform and share his experiences at the Dinner Under the Stars at Wallara’s Dandenong centre on Thursday 14 March.
Other guests will include Black Caviar part-owners Colin and Jannene Madden, who’ll share the inside scoop on the mare’s Royal Ascot race and future plans for the unbeaten racehorse.
The 2011 Australian of the Year Simon McKeon was raised in Dandenong and will provide his perspective on the relationship between disability and the private and public sectors.
Wallara users will provide insights into the world of disability and there’ll be a short charity auction.
The inaugural event last year raised $30,000 to buy specialist sensory equipment for high-support sites.
This year’s will raise money for the Wallara Wish Foundation, which provides one-off grants for special equipment or experiences to improve clients’ quality of life.
The evening will start with drinks and canapes at 6pm. An optional guided tour of the premises will follow, then a gourmet dinner in a purpose-built marquee.
For more information on attending the event visit www.wallara.com.au, call Julie Cosgriff on 9792 2985 or email jcosgriff@wallara.com.au.
Call Karen Scholey on 0418 537 711 for sponsorship opportunities.
