An radiant evening of giving at the TELETHON Charity Gala Dinner in Paphos

The TELETHON Charity Gala Dinner, an evening of generosity and solidarity, was successfully held on Saturday, 1 February, 2025.

Organised by the President of the TELETHON Committee, Marianna Leptos, the event took place at the Coral Beach Hotel in Paphos, bringing together distinguished guests and supporters in a shared commitment to raising funds for TELETHON and its vital mission.

The event was met with overwhelming public support, generating significant proceeds from ticket sales to further strengthen the initiative. The funds raised will support the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and the Cyprus Muscular Dystrophy Association, helping to advance their critical work in patient care and scientific research.

Among the distinguished attendees were key government officials, including the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, and the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, as well as the Attorney General, George Savvides. The event also welcomed parliamentary party leaders, institutional representatives, prominent figures from the business and social sectors, and dedicated TELETHON supporters.

In her address, Marianna Leptos expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all those who honored the event with their presence, emphasising the profound impact of collective philanthropy. She highlighted TELETHON’s role as a symbol of solidarity, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with neuromuscular diseases while funding scientific research aimed at developing new treatments.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a generous £10,000 donation from the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation, further reinforcing TELETHON’s mission. The donation was presented by Niki Stylianidou, daughter of Sir Reo Stakis, who shared her deep appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful cause.

The event marked a significant milestone for TELETHON, as it was held in Paphos for the first time, attracting supporters from across Cyprus. Special acknowledgments were extended to Makarounas Winery for providing the evening’s beverages, as well as to the Leptos Group of Companies and the Coral Beach Hotel for their generous sponsorship and impeccable hospitality.

For 31 consecutive years, TELETHON has mobilised thousands of volunteers, supported patients, and funded pioneering scientific research with the goal of building a better future. As Marianna Leptos poignantly stated in her speech: "Individuals with muscular dystrophy may not be able to stand, run, or use their hands. Yet within them lies the unyielding strength of their hearts. And that heart never falters. It continues to beat… and to speak! For 30+ years now, the heart has been speaking."

With this moving message, the evening concluded with a note of hope and optimism, reaffirming TELETHON’s unwavering commitment to supporting those in need and advancing life-changing research.