The Pontian Association of NSW “Pontoxeniteas” has raised $22,665 for the maintenance of Pontian House at its third Winter Wonderland Gala.

Held at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney on Saturday, August 22, the event brought generations of the Pontian community together for an evening of live music, dancing, prizes and fundraising.

Pontoxeniteas President and Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia Co-President Maria Anthony hosted the gala alongside Zoe Karatasas, the newly appointed President of the Youth Federation and a long-standing member of the Pontoxeniteas Youth Committee.

Their shared role reflected the association’s focus on encouraging younger members to take on leadership responsibilities while learning from past and present community leaders.

The Pontoxeniteas Youth Committee said participating in the gala provided a meaningful opportunity to support the association and preserve Pontian House as a gathering place for future generations.

Youth Committee member Theo Moudanidis addressed guests about the responsibility young Pontians had to continue the traditions passed down to them.

“Being part of the Youth Committee isn’t just about attending events or helping out when we can. It’s about making sure that the traditions and values that were passed down to us don’t just stop with us,” he said.

“It’s about learning our music, dancing our dances, speaking our language, hearing the stories of our grandparents and understanding where our families came from. But it’s also about creating new memories and finding new ways to bring young people into our community.”

He said every ticket, raffle entry and donation helped maintain Pontian House and ensure the community continued to have a place to gather.

“It might seem like a small contribution at the time, but when our whole community comes together, those small contributions become something much bigger,” he said.

“This isn’t just a club or building. It’s home.”

A particularly emotional moment came when the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Transfiguration of Our Lord at Earlwood presented the association with a $2,000 donation. Rev Father Sotirios Drapaniotis attended the gala alongside members of the parish.

Representatives from several Greek and Pontian organisations also attended, including the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki “Aristotelis” of NSW, Greek Pontian Society of Wollongong “Diogenes” and Syndesmos – Connecting People and Their Stories.

Live entertainment was provided by Stelios Daliardos, George Nikolopoulos, Steve Katselas and Harrison Giavris, while Kosta Papoulidis and Peter Tsenkas filled the room with traditional Pontian music on the lyra and daouli.

Pontoxeniteas thanked gold sponsor All Paintn Plaster Building Maintenance, silver sponsor GMA Building Group and The Grand Roxy team for supporting the event.

The association said annual fundraisers such as the Winter Wonderland Gala were essential to maintaining Pontian House and preserving the memories, traditions and community connections it holds.

Source: Greekherald.com.au