Dining for Dementia tables set for success
- admin1356
- Nov 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2024
The second fundraising event between TV personality and chef Ben Bayly and the Younger Onset Dementia Collective has proved a resounding success.
In June the first Dining for Dementia event took place at Origine, Ben’s bistro in Commercial Bay which was the filming location for season two of The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes.
Buoyed by the success and support for the inaugural event, the Younger Onset Dementia Collective and Ben planned for another Dining for Dementia event as the second series of the popular television series came to an end.
Organisers were overwhelmed with support as soon at the event was announced. Tickets for the November 17 lunch sold out in just five days.
Young Onset Dementia Collective spokesperson Anne Logan knew the event would be popular but was not expecting it to sell out so quickly. She says it’s a great example of the positive impact of The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes television series.
Ben says, "We could have sold this three times over, but we are aware that it's a big ask for our lovely volunteers and the families to make themselves available like this.”
For the volunteers it was an exciting opportunity to return to the restaurant and revisit the connections they’d made with other participants.
Lois and Wendy quickly returned to their happy place in the kitchen while the front of house team found their feet immediately waiting tables and chatting to guests who were delighted to be meeting the people they’d seen on television.
For the carers who were not present during filming it was a ringside seat for the first time as they watched their loved ones in action.
Andy, who has been with Sandra for over thirty years was delighted seeing her chatting and laughing with the diners. He said Sandra had been excited for the day.
He’s noticed how happy she is when she reconnects with the restaurant team and how much brighter she is for days afterwards.
For Jan the chance to see Malcolm back behind the bar was special. Since filming the series Malcolm has retired from work and the couple are figuring out the best way for Malcolm to be at home while Jan continues to work full time.
Many of the diners who purchased tickets were wider friends and family of the volunteers but there were many new faces who also wanted to connect.
One diner in her early 50s had been recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and was hoping to meet Lois who has the same diagnosis. Lois was more than happy to share her experiences and lend some support, even exchanging numbers afterwards.
Anne Logan was surprised how many diners living with dementia and their families had purchased tickets.
She says the over whelming message from those guests had been how truly isolated they felt but the event had given them a sense of belonging and hope.
People who had only connected with volunteers by watching the series were keen to speak with them and take photos. Several viewers had watched the episodes multiple times and came armed with questions for the partners and care-givers, too - further proof if any was needed that there is a huge need for support for those with loved ones who may be living with dementia.
Guests were thrilled with the exceptional five course meal that diners have come to expect from Ben Bayly and the team at Origine restaurant.
But all agreed the impact of the event went beyond the delicious menu. With so much joy and warmth in the room there was an atmosphere of togetherness which made the restaurant event feel even more special.
Ben says he is grateful to everyone who came out to support such a great cause.
“Jeez we had fun,” he said. "We are beyond thrilled that what started off as a television show has taken on a life of its own and we can't wait to see where we can take this next."
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YOUR DONATION will HELP US HELP OURSELVES.
Getting help needed is a living challenge for the group behind Young Onset Dementia Collective.
If we wait for Government, Ministry of Health or under-funded agencies, it will be too little too late for our people.
For many the situation is dire. Help is needed NOW so we made a collective conscious decision to do everything we can to help ourselves. Spouses, partners, carers of people living with younger onset dementia have real life reasons driving combined determination.
Help us keep minds engaged and spirits lifted for those affected. Plus support carers in their financial, mental and wellbeing journey.
