Melbourne’s Angliss Restaurant became the centre of philanthropy on Saturday night, with the first of two annual fundraising dinners for charity Paradise4Kids.

Pleased with the turnout, event coordinator Jane Pallot told Neos Kosmos that it was a “very successful” evening.

“Just from the feedback, everyone had such a good time,” she said.

“They all had the opportunity to see a video of the progress of the mission and where it’s at, and Father Themi spoke and gave an overview of what’s been going on.”

Over 130 people were in attendance to show their support for the charity founded by Father Themis Adamopoulos, and the children in Sierra Leone who were orphaned by the Ebola crisis of 2014.

Now the priest is on a mission to build a series of children’s orphanages and a school in Waterloo and Tower Hill.

“It’s not an institution-type model; it’s going to be individual houses, which are protected and a mother will be placed in each of the houses. So the children will grow up in sort of a normal family where they have a mother to look after them, and there’ll be a school as well,” Ms Pallot explained.

While being entertained by the Byzantine chants of David the Psalmist choir, guests enjoyed a relaxed sit down dinner in the beautiful CBD setting.

“The quality of food was fantastic and students served us, so it’s sort of a venue that fits in with the ethos of our mission,” she said.

Funds were also raised through a silent auction and a table of small goodies for purchase, with everything from biscuits and jam, to soaps, candles and CDs, all of which were generously donated to the cause.

By minimising their overheads with the entire mission run with volunteers and donations, organisers ensure that they are able to maximise the amount of money raised.

“The auctions went very well. People come with open hearts; they know there’ll be things for them to buy and they’re very generous,” said Ms Pallot.

“You can see it on the night; even if it’s a small crowd, we’re always surprised by how much is raised by these events.”

But a stand out on the night was the inspirational Stefanie Kalfas, who showcased her new menswear label HhaM, which will see all sales profits go towards the mission.

“A doctor with a passion for charity, she also loves fashion and designing. So what she’s done is designed ties and bow ties and is manufacturing them in Australia with all profits from the sale going to Paradise4Kids,” said Ms Pallot. “And it’s all self-funded! She’s amazing.”

For those who didn’t have the chance to attend the fundraising dinner, the charity will be hosting its second event on Saturday 17 September.

“It’s a relaxed evening, where people can talk to Father Themi and he can really update everybody. It’s worth coming along.”

The second intimate fundraising event for Paradise4Kids will be held on Saturday 17 September at the William Angliss Institute, 555 Latrobe Street, Melbourne at 6.30 pm. To book tickets, contact Jane Pallot on 0404 040 578 or visit www.paradise4kids.org/2016-melbourne-with-fr-themi