So You Think You Can Dance star, centre, Demi Sorono joins deaf children, from left, Estelle Fricot, Lucas Smyrnis, Illara Vesco, Danigan Milsom-Keecher, and Thomas Vesco to promote Friday night’s fundraiser.By Callan Date
JOANNA Fricot is determined to make a difference for deaf children.
The Endeavour Hills mother has been doing exactly that since her daughter Estelle was diagnosed with a severe hearing impairment at the age of one.
The latest in a long line of initiatives is fundraising event, Dance off for Deaf Kids, at Berwick’s Hotel Eden tomorrow (Friday) night.
The night will feature several performances from So You Think You Can Dance finalist Demi Sorono and will help raise money for Deaf Children Australia.
Demi will dance alongside sister Lorraine, who is deaf.
The duo will also appear at a children’s event on Saturday in Melbourne.
The initiative is being held in conjunction with The National Week of Deaf People.
Ms Fricot said the night was the brainchild of her nine-year-old daughter.
“It was actually Estelle’s idea. She was fascinated by Demi when she was signing during episodes of So You Think You Can Dance,” she said.
Friday night’s event is one in a long list of fundraising and support initiatives that have been organised by Ms Fricot.
She formed a support group, Parents of the South Eastern Region (POSER), to help families face the challenge of raising a hearing impaired child.
And a book has also been written by Ms Fricot which contains real-life stories from deaf children in various stages of life. The book was written to build self esteem and confidence and to make people realise dreams are still achievable when facing hearing problems.
“Hotel Eden has been great, and the club is donating funds from the night to Deaf Children Australia.
“What I would like to promote out there is that it is a local business getting behind a good cause.”
Deaf Children Australia CEO Damian Lacey said Dance off for Deaf Kids was set to be a great event.
“Demi and Lorraine will give much joy to deaf kids while helping to raise the profile of deafness, which often ranks at the bottom of the disability ladder because it is hidden,” he said.
Doors at the Gloucester Avenue venue will open at 8pm, with Demi hitting the stage from 10pm. A $10 entry will be charged to the 18-and-over event.
All money will go to Deaf Children Australia.
