Rags to riches stories are usually fascinating, yet when narrated by the Senior Australian of 2009 it takes on an added meaning. Pat La Manna, a very placid and charismatic figure, held the Branch audience in undistracted attention right through the entire story of his life. His unassuming gentleness seems to reach to the very hearts of those present. One can’t help but marvel that a person from very humble beginnings and with no formal education could reach the pinnacle of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. The proof of his capabilities was sealed, much to his own satisfaction, when the Bionic Hands Department of the Royal Children’s Hospital entrusted him with their fund raising campaign. They ended up with a tidy sum of $198,000. His own Cancer and Stroke Research foundation has up to date raised $1.5 million.
His gospel is, to quote, I want to encourage people to be generous with their time, talent or money because to do community service is the greatest pleasure in life.
A pleasant evening was enjoyed by all. We thank you Pat for your presence and your generosity;
keep up the good work. Thank you and welcome to all of you who joined us for the first time
at this meeting.
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