Members of Durban's creative community will come together for a special one-off variety show in support of the Delfi family, who lost their Greek Taverna restaurant and home in a devastating fire. The event, titled Durban Loves Delfi, will take place at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls High School on October 19 at 7pm. The show will feature a line-up of performers who have donated their time and talents to support the family.
The evening will be hosted and MC'd by Hello Poppy, and will feature a range of performers, including musical theatre trio the Glitter Girls, magician and mentalist Mo Magic, storyteller and entertainer Rory Petzer, and young performers from the International School of Performing Arts. The Hello Poppy team and performers are appearing for free, while school principal Linda Scholtz has made the Milkwood Theatre available. Black Coffee has also provided technical infrastructure.
The fire that destroyed the Delfi Greek Taverna and the family's home started on September 3 and spread through the entire building. Restaurant owners and family members Doddy, Maria, and Manuel Teranes had lived upstairs since 1964. The fire destroyed the restaurant, the family's home, and their lifelong possessions. Family member Linda Landzanakis described the loss as devastating, saying the restaurant was not only a business but a home filled with love, kindness, and warmth.
Ayakha Godlwana, a 32-year-old chef at Palm Terrace Cafe, was hailed as a hero for rescuing Doddy Teranes from her room as the flames spread through the upstairs apartment and restaurant. The family's outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with Maria Teranes expressing her gratitude for the kindness shown by the community. The fundraiser aims to provide further support to the family, who were left with only the clothes on their backs.
Hello Poppy founder Jane Linley-Thomas said the organisation was proud to be involved in the fundraiser, which serves as a reminder of the power of community and collaboration. The event is a privilege to give back to elders who have given so much to their community over many years. The fundraiser is a beautiful example of how the community can come together to support those in need.
Tickets for the event are available for R220, with discounts for students and pensioners at R200. Parking is available on the school grounds via Newport Avenue, through the gates between the astro turf and the church. All money raised through ticket sales will go directly to the Delfi family. The event promises to be an entertaining and heartwarming evening, with a range of performances and a strong sense of community.
The Durban Loves Delfi fundraiser is a testament to the community's spirit and generosity. The event will not only provide financial support to the Delfi family but also serve as a celebration of their resilience and the community's love for them. The fundraiser is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and make a difference in the lives of those affected by the devastating fire.
Key points
- The Durban Loves Delfi fundraiser will take place at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls High School on October 19 at 7pm.
- The event features a range of performers, including the Glitter Girls, Mo Magic, and Rory Petzer.
- All money raised through ticket sales will go directly to the Delfi family.
