UPCOMING EVENTS

Gala Function 2011

On 9 Septemeber 2011 "Give me a Chance" have hosted it's annual fundraising gala function at Rhebokskloof wine estate.

Zamar, which means 'to celebrate with the plucking of strings' were one of the guest artists of the evening and entertained the guests from the moment they arrived. Their excellence in skill, diversity in arrangements and endless surprises was the perfect introduction to a magical evening.

The function was an initiative, sparked by Albe Laker (Co owner of Asla construction & Rhebokskloof wine estate) in his desire to make a meaningful contribution towards the future of our beautiful town and country. ASLA & Rhebokskloof agreed to be the main sponsor for this event.

Further encouragement came through the support of Premier Hellen Zille who was our guest of honour for the evening. Premier Zille, with her Springbok world cup scarf proudly around her neck, shared from her experience success stories of children who were given the opportunity to quality education. She encouraged the guests to become aware of the educational needs around us and highlighted what 'Give me a Chance' stands for by emphasising the power that lies in 'a chance'... an opportunity.

Delarey Brugman, founder of 'Give me a Chance' also made a touching speech where he explained his drive behind the foundation and his love for our country. "The Ultimate vision of "Give me a Chance" is to create a new generation of socially responsible and contributing members of the South African society. I see it as my responsibility to give back and be part of the solution in our country".

The highlight of the evening was the speech of Marco Hendricks, the first boy adopted by 'Give me a Chance' in 2004. Marco was given a shot at life and with the help of the director, Lourens Oosthuizen, he is currently doing his articles at BKR Logista in Stellenbosch: "Once upon a time I was also one of those kids who just needed a chance to reach his full potential. Not only academically but in everything from sports, culture and even spirituality. "Give me a Chance' gave me the opportunity and in doing and living holistically I achieved the unachievable for a boy from a poor household who's father was a farm worker and mother a domestic worker.

Marco concluded his speech with a quote from Ghandi: 'To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer'.

With Zamar enchanting the guests with back ground music, delicious lamb shanks and Rhebokskloof wine, the stage was set for the fundraising auction. Tiny van Rensburg, our MC and auctioneer for the past seven years once again showed why he is the best man for the job by keeping everyone involved and on the edge of their seats. There were 21 items up for auction and the guests opened up their hearts (and wallets) in support of the initiative. The favourite item for the evening was the Scraperboard artwork of Nelson Mandela, produced by John Thorpe for Madiba's 90th birthday. This very special work of art was bought by the main sponsor, ASLA for R61 000. With the auction alone, 'Give me a Chance' have raised an impressive R170 600 towards the foundation and its beneficiaries.

With all the formal proceedings aside, the big surprise of the evening was still to come. Our second guest artist for the evening, Bianca le Grange was the perfect recipe to get the party started and the feet on the dance floor.

For more photos visit our Facebook page

Women's Brunch around the World with Niël Rademan

In support of 'Give me a Chance', the ladies from Stellenbosch and surrounding areas came together for a brunch at the lovely Clouds estate on 26 Augusts 2011.

This was nog a normal brunch though – the ladies had to give a little bit of their time and effort to make this event happen. There were tables of 8 and each one got allocated a different country. Then the fun began ... the ladies at their respective tables dressed up, decorated their table and prepared a dish or two reflecting their country.

The different countries that visited Clouds that morning was: Africa, Arab, England, France, Greece, Italy, Japan and Spain – each showing initiative, creativity and most of all a spirit of participation and fun! In the end however, the ladies from Konica Minolta who represented Japan, walked away with the prize for the best representation of their country – earning themselves Alluvia Day Spa treatment vouchers.

Niel Rademan, sensational musician and producer was the entertainer for the day and performed a show that took us on a 'world tour' tour by singing famous songs from various countries.

Thanks to each table's unselfish contribution and additional supporters, 'Give me a Chance' managed to raise an impressive R25 156 towards the foundation and it's beneficiaries.

For more photos visit our Facebook page

Knysna MTB Tour 2011 - Report

"I knew that we made it to Knysna all in one piece and smiling as we rode the last tar stretch into town"

This is the last words of the blog written by SF du Toit, one of the eight cyclists who finished the Knysna MTB Tour 2011 on the 30th of June. The group finished the tour on \ in Knysna where they had a few days of leisure before taking on the Mountain Bike race on the 2nd of July, at the Oyster festival… not something that the normal guy would sign up for after completing 647km in six days.

The feedback from the group can be summarized in the words of Trevor Law (tour member): "Wonderful clear winter skies, quiet surroundings with wonderful friends doing what we enjoy most!"

Although it was the fifth year that JJ Steyn from 'Classic Cycles' organised this tour, this was the firs to be done with mountain bikes. It was special because they saw places one doesn't normally see of our country. Superb smooth gravel roads, no cars and wonderful scenery through the most wonderful small farming towns was the perfect recipe to help these cyclists endure and finish each stage satisfied.

Friendships that are formed will last forever and it is the quality time spent together in a wonderful environment that made an everlasting impact on the group.

Trevor also said: "The route is superb and organization is really good and for me the MTB trip is one not to be missed and I have already confirmed for next year so impressed was I with this years trip."

Not only was the tour itself a huge success, but we are also happy to report that through the cyclists fundraising efforts, they've managed to raise an impressive R20,000 towards "Give me a Chance" and its beneficiaries.

Read SF du Toit's blog to see how he (they) experienced each day of the tour.

Click here to read the Newspaper articles about the tour.

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