Young Whitney, 8, fights back tears of excitement as she meets Emmanuel Kelly. 78013 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
LAST Tuesday patrons at La Porchetta in Altona Meadows were given a treat when Emmanuel Kelly sang for them.
Emmanuel, who shot to fame last year on the X-factor, left audiences speechless with his rendition of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’.
Last week was no different – the young man managed to silence a usually bustling and noisy restaurant as he sang without a microphone or back-up music to an awe-inspired crowd.
By his second song, he had the whole restaurant singing along with him, clapping, cheering and wishing him well.
His mother, Moira Kelly and grandparents were also there to lend their support.
Emmanuel was born with severe deformities caused by the use of chemical weapons in Iraq where Moira Kelly adopted him and his brother from a Baghdad orphanage.
Last week, La Porchetta’s CEO Sara Pantaleo was “bought” on auction as “CEO of the Day” by the restaurant.
More than $22,000 was raised, to have Ms Pantaleo work in their store as a waitress.
Money raised went to support Moira Kelly’s charity the Children First Foundation.
Emmanuel said he sang to show support Ms Pantaleo, who has always supported his mum’s foundation.
“Sara is a very close friend of ours … the whole La Porchetta franchise has been a great, great support of our family, my brother and Mum’s foundation.”
Emmanuel said he hoped his family’s story has highlighted some of the bigger issues going on in the world.
