Dinner backers pop up

A DINNER with a difference raised more than $35,000 to help adults with disabilities in Dandenong and beyond.
Wallara CEO Phil Hayes-Brown said Dinner Under the Stars on 12 March was the organisation’s major annual fund-raiser.
He said the proceeds would fund special training programs like retail and money handling at the Wallara Pop Up Shop in Dandenong Plaza, hospitality at Potter Coffee, lawn and garden maintenance through Grass Busters, and horticulture and farm management at Sages Cottage in Baxter.
Humanitarian Moira Kelly, known for adopting conjoined twins Krishna and Trishna, was the guest speaker and another of her adoptive children, Emmanuel Kelly, performed.
“Moira Kelly was amazing and it was great to show her our service where her highly talented son Emmanuel has been our celebrity ambassador now for more than a year,” Mr Hayes-Brown said.
“Emmanuel sang two songs and reminded us all why he had such a massive response and attracted such a huge social media following when he auditioned for X Factor in 2011.
“But, as with every year, the real stars on the night were our service user ambassadors.
“We had 14 attend this year and they did an awesome job of mixing with guests, introducing themselves and ensuring everyone had a great time.”