Earlier this year, Montessori Academy donated $40,000 to deserving charities, Dunlea Centre and Montfort’s Boys’ Town, to support their ongoing programs for youth in need.
The funds were raised through event sponsorship, ticket sales, and an auction at Montessori Academy’s Excellence Ball, hosted in November 2016.
Director of Montessori Academy, Colette Assaf, said: “We are incredibly proud to support these worthy causes as they have, and continue to change, the lives of so many young Australians and Fijians.
“It is my greatest wish for every young person to have the education and opportunities that allow them to achieve their full potential,” said Colette Assaf.
Montfort Boys’ Town Representative, Monsignor Brian Rayner, said the funds raised would go a long way to support ongoing youth programs that are designed to help young people improve their educational outcomes, gain relevant skills, and secure employment opportunities.
Monsignor Brian Rayner said: “Montfort Boys’ Town and Dunlea Centre are both established organisations, that are well known for their work in local communities, but not on a larger scale. The resources and support services that they offer are crucial in providing young people with the tools and skills they need to achieve positive lasting change.
“The funds raised will go directly into education programs and resources that will allow these young people to receive the support they need to build a brighter future, not only for themselves, but also for their families, and the wider community,” said Monsignor Brian Rayner.
Montessori Academy’s 2016 Excellence Ball was the third charity fundraiser that the company has hosted. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom at Bankstown Sports Club, and attended by more than 400 of Montessori Academy’s business partners, staff, and families.
Event entertainment included Channel Nine Presenter Tim Gilbert, as well as show stopping entertainment by drumming group Zaffet Leben, acrobatic entertainers Dauntless Movement Crew, and pianist Paul Chang.
Key sponsors of the Excellence Ball included: PAYCE, Bartier Perry, Ark Air and Price Waterhouse Coopers.
About Dunlea Centre
Dunlea Centre, previously known as Boys’ Town, is based in the Southern Sydney suburb of Engadine. Established in 1939, the fundamental belief of the organisation is that there is no such thing as a ‘bad child,’ and that all young people are capable of change, and deserving of a positive future. Dunlea Centre provides a comprehensive range of services to adolescents and their families who are at risk of family breakdown. This includes family and individual therapy, academic and life skills education, and residential care for both young women and young men.
About Montfort Boys’ Town
The Fijian based charity, Montfort Boys’ Town, has been providing technical education to Suva-based youths since 1973. Montfort Boys’ Town provides young men with the opportunity to learn a skill or trade and use their talents to assist the wider community. Over the years the organisation has expanded their efforts to include new enterprises that will up-skill their students and provide better infrastructure for Fiji. The work of Montfort Boys’ Town has been particularly crucial following the aftermath of Cyclone Winston, which caused devastation across Fiji in February 2016.
Event Sponsors:
• PAYCE
• Bartier Perry
• ARK Air
• Price Waterhouse Coopers
• Raguz Building Services
• Educational Experience
• Fam International
• Zaffet Lebnen
• MMDCC Construction Consultants
• Sparke Helmore Lawyers
• DIB Insurance
• DCWC Project Managers
• Liskowski Lawyers
• Upstream
• Westpac
• Australian Consulting Engineers
• DYLDAM
• Planum Partners
• Snap Printing Burwood
• Art & Soul
• JT Electrical
• Billich
• Ferrarri Maserati