Arabian-themed night for a good cause

By Kevin Mah, Bond University Journalism Student

Varsity Lakes residents are invited to attend an Arabian Nights themed fundraiser for children who are deaf or hearing impaired.

There are 180 people attending but organisers the Gold Coast Hear and Say is trying to get up to 200 people.

It will be held on November 19 at Jupiters Hotel and Casino in Broadbeach, providing accommodation if needed and easy access to transportation.

Gold Coast Hear and Say regional development and fundraising coordinator Peter Wotherspoon said the event will include a three course meal, beer and wine, raffles, auctions, and entertainment from 7pm to 12am.

“It is colourful and it is exciting,” Mr Wotherspoon said.
“It will be full of loud music and a good time.”

The centre will also be accepting donations for raffle and auction prizes.

Their mission is to get children as young as possible using an Auditory-Verbal Therapy that teaches children to listen and converse through spoken language.

In 92 percent of cases the therapy is successful enough to get patients to attend regular school classes.

Hear and Say’s Gold Coast coordinator Teresa Daniel said most other deaf and hearing impaired centres don’t provide the services that they do and at such a young age.

“We do not discard parent’s choices,” Mrs Daniel said.

“If they choose the non-verbal learning, that is their choice.”

All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will be going to the Gold Coast Hear and Say Centre in Varsity Lakes.

For more information on the event, contact Peter Wotherspoon at 0413507476.
 
Caption: Hear and Say’s Gold Coast co-ordinator Teresa Daniel (right) enjoying the veggie patch with a client and her mother.