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Estia Health embraces the Roaring ’20s with Dance for Dementia fundraiser

Estia Health Benalla embraced the Roaring ’20s at its Dance for Dementia fundraiser on Friday, September 20. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Estia Health was the place to be on Friday, September 20.

Staff and residents at Estia Health Benalla enjoyed an afternoon of ballroom dancing in a 1920s-themed fundraiser.

Dance for Dementia is an initiative set up to raise funds for Dementia Cafés, a charity that empowers people living with dementia and their family carers to stay socially connected to their community.

While residents and staff had a great time at Estia Health’s Dance for Dementia, the fundraising element of the day was embraced by all. Photo by Simon Ruppert

The dance was arranged by Estia lifestyle co-ordinator Amanda Shelley.

“Dementia Cafés are a network of cafés which connect people with dementia with each other,” Ms Shelley said.

“I think they have five or six of them across Australia, and it’s what we’re raising funds for today.

“It will help them build and operate more cafés and connect more people living with dementia.

Estia Health Benalla residents had a front-row seat for the ballroom dancing at the Dance for Dementia fundraiser. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“Once a person has been diagnosed with dementia, talking to other people with the same disease is often comforting for them.”

Ms Shelley said members of the Benalla Social Dancing Group offered their time to come and support the fundraiser.

“The residents have been doing some crafts this week. They’ve been making hats, feather boas and headbands,” she said.

The Benalla Social Dancing Group was on hand to provide the entertainment at Estia Health’s Dance for Dementia fundraiser. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“We had a raffle with prizes donated by residents families and some staff members as well.

“And we’ve had lots of donations from staff, residents and their families, so it’s been really well supported.”

The Benalla Social Dancing Group showed off a range of different dances at Estia Health’s Dance for Dementia. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Residents and staff at Estia Health Benalla enjoy the entertainment at the Dance for Dementia fundraiser. Photo by Simon Ruppert
Staff and residents at Estia enjoyed getting dressed up for the Dance for Dementia fundraiser. Photo by Simon Ruppert