Two well known Sydney locals are working to make brighter tomorrows for children who deserve to smile. Tony Johansson, owner and chief chef of Vamps Bistro in Five Ways Paddington and his foundation Tolerance Endeavours is teaming up with Double Bay Plastic Surgeon Dr. Darryl Hodgkinson in aid of Dr. Hodgkinson’s surgical charity for children with cleft lip and palate in the Philippines, Operation Restore Hope Australia.
Tony of Vamps has been playing secret angel to children in orphanages in Zambia and has decided to take on the special children of Operation Restore Hope. Tony said that he had always enjoyed meeting and serving people in his career in hospitality and as a long standing member of the Paddington but as a birthday wish for a little more tolerance in the world, he founded his own charity foundation a few years ago called Tolerance Endeavours Pty Ltd. The way the foundation earns money for special charities is by Tony strutting his stuff in Cabaret evenings as famous male entertainers. Previous shows for Tony included a walk down memory lane with him on a journey with the late, great Roy Orbison. Operation Restore Hope Australia, however, was beneficiary of a ripper of a show where Tony crooned through two nights as ole blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.
“When I became aware of the work of Operation Restore Hope and how one operation can change a child’s life forever, I wanted to help”, said Tony. “I was also impressed that anything I did would be valuable as no cent donated to the charity goes to administration but to the children for medical supplies and equipment for their care.” The fundraising for Tolerance Endeavours has been greatly supported by clients of Vamps Bistro and their friends who have always been sold on the food and service but the added twist of Tony and staff on cabaret and comedy which always promises a special evening of fun.
Be on the lookout for shows in 2008 when Tony will hit the stage again in benefit of the children as Peter Allen!
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