Trust Fund Receives Financial Boost

The third fundraising event hosted by Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House recently raised an impressive R150 000 for the 'Give Me a Chance' Foundation. The fund was created by Alluvia owners Delarey and Sandie Brugman in 2004 and offers financial support to learners from the Kylemore community in the Banhoek Valley.

During a celebrity-studded gala dinner and auction, popular Afrikaans singer Bok van Blerk and his band entertained guests as their contribution to the event. One of the songs that struck a core was “De La Rey” which pays homage to the Boer general of whom Delarey Brugman is a direct descendant. Delarey’s grandfather Koos Brugman (Jacobus Hercules Delarey Brugman) was the oldest of General De La Rey’s grandchildren.

The auction item that fetched the second highest bid at R22 500 was a framed print of the original photograph of General Delarey given to his first grandchild and a book on his life signed by Brugman and Bok van Blerk. However, it was no surprise that the rugby jersey signed by the World Cup winning team donated by Springbok rugby player CJ van der Linde scored the highest price at an impressive R30 000. One bottle of the world-famous Dufort Vivens 1998 donated by Gonzac Lurton sold for R15 000.

“We started the 'Give me a Chance' Children's Foundation to make a difference in the lives of promising young people and consider it a privilege to contribute to nurturing their potential. Although Kylemore is one of the poorest communities in our country, it is also home to a talented group of learners who dare to dream and are willing to work hard at achieving their goals. The fund works to help these children realise their dreams by paying for scholarship programmes and to create a network of strong role models. Every cent received goes directly towards the children’s school and hostel fees, school clothing, books and sport equipment,” mentions Brugman.

A group of ten learners were selected based on their academic and sporting abilities as well as attitude. Felicia Mars, Marko Hendriks, Rosie Kruger, Denzil Swarts, Marlin Steenkamp, Leandra Jansen, Gloriaan Hendriks, Chrisando Skippers, Ramon Llewellen and Abigail Sampson are members of the group and have continuously impressed with their performances. According to principal De Vries of Kylemore Secondary, there has been an incredible transformation in these young beneficiaries and he applauded the learners for making the most of this incredible opportunity.

Marko Hendriks was chosen as head boy this year and has already been accepted by Simonsberg hostel in Stellenbosch where he has set his sights on a degree in accounting.

Several top wine producers (Simonsig, Knorhoek, Rustenberg, Villiera, Delaire, Tokara, Thelema, Yonder Hill, Clouds, MolenVliet, Vriesenhof, Eaglevlei) and local suppliers such as Knights Catering, Brand Attack, Striking Odds, Chele and Alyd Air contributed their services, equipment and prizes in support of the event.

Brugman also launched a limited edition 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon under the 'Give me a chance' label. All proceeds from wine sales will be directed to the fund.