Masks on for Fight Parkinson’s fundraiser
Any excuse to get decked out in fancy dress is a good one, but it is even better when a fun night is supporting the Parkinson’s community.
.jpeg)
Fight Parkinson’s relies on the generosity of individuals and community groups across Australia to ensure that no one is left to fight Parkinson’s alone.
The Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Nafsika Unit gathered earlier this year to raise much needed funds for Fight Parkinson’s.
Niki Matziaris has spent much of her career, and more recently home life, caring for people living with Parkinson’s.
With a 35-year long career in the community sector she worked with many clients with Parkinson’s before her late sister was diagnosed with the condition six years ago.
Her growing understanding of Parkinson’s combined with her knowledge that government funding cannot always meet community needs, led Niki to want to do something to support the Fight Parkinson’s community.
Some 90 per cent of Fight Parkinson’s funding comes from philanthropy, that is the generosity of the Parkinson’s community.
Niki was keen to help support the nearly 219,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Australia.
“Due to my work and personal experiences, I became very sensitive towards the people suffering from neurological diseases and knew that the government funding does not meet the need of people with these conditions. When the opportunity of the annual fundraising event came up, I proposed at the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Nafsika Unit meeting that we fundraise for Fight Parkinson's,” Niki said.
And just like that she had a masquerade ball to plan.
Parkinson’s education and community events
.jpg)
.jpeg)
Combining the fundraising opportunity with an evening event was the perfect opportunity to spread awareness and have plenty of fun while doing so.
Niki said it simply was not possible to capture the joy from the night in photos.
Dr Dionysios Velakoulis, a neuropsychiatrist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, gave a presentation to the masked attendees, broadening their understanding of Parkinson’s, its far-reaching impact and highlighting exciting new research being undertaken.
"Dr Velakoulis provided a compelling insight into the current research on Parkinson’s and its profound impact on both patients and their loved ones. As of today, there is still no known cure, making our collective efforts to fund continued research all the more crucial,” Niki said.
Dressing to impress at the AHEPA Nafsika Fight Parkinson’s fundraiser
.jpeg)
.jpg)
Not only was the event well attended by the AHEPA Victoria community, but there was a fantastic adherence to the dress code.
Niki said the enthusiasm from the community to dress to impress, learn more about the condition and support Fight Parkinson’s was astounding.
“I was in awe of the wonderful adherence to the masquerade dress code—everyone looked absolutely stunning,” Niki said.
Niki hadn’t expected just how strongly the community would rally behind the event and as it began to take shape, she noticed the community’s support growing stronger each day.
Sponsorships, raffle tickets, and an auction helped boost the events fundraising potential beyond what Niki had anticipated.
“I felt very moved with the support and the willingness to assist as much as they could in supporting this cause. Even the owners of reception they felt so moved and donated the GST and a bottle of wine for the raffles,” she said.
Together the AHEPA Unit Nafsika raised $7,000 for Fight Parkinson’s to help ensure that no one is left to face their Parkinson’s journey alone.
Gathering at the beautiful Normanby House in Thornbury, the festivities lasted late into the night.
“We ended the night in high spirits, dancing and celebrating well past midnight, knowing that we had not only created beautiful memories but also contributed to an important cause.”
Continuing community support for Fight Parkinson’s
Since the successful masquerade ball, Niki and the AHEPA Nafsika Unit have remained in touch with Fight Parkinson’s.
In June Fight Parkinson’s director of health Victor McEnvoy and director of fundraising Sharon Roux were invited to attend the AHEPA regional meeting.
Fight Parkinson’s is proud to work with the broader community to help build Parkinson’s awareness and ensure no one has to face Parkinson's alone.
Fight Parkinson’s relies on the community’s generosity to fund our information, education and support services. That’s why we are so grateful when people in the community support us by holding their own fundraising events. If you’re hosting an event, let us know by contacting fundraising@fightparkinsons.org.au or calling us on (03) 8809 0400.