Fund-raiser for Karlien Roets a success
Thompson said people were eager to support the Roets family and tickets for the show sold out within four days of going on sale.
The people of Springs let their wallets do the talking at Studio K’s A Night on Broadway fund-raiser for Karlien Roets and raised R50 000.
The fund-raiser, which was held at the Riverside Country Estate recently, was the brainchild of Keri Thompson, the owner of Studio K. Karlien Roets suffered a traumatic brain injury after an accident at her Brakpan home in August 2018 and has needed weekly therapy sessions since.
Thompson said people were eager to support the Roets family and tickets for the show sold out within four days of going on sale. “I think people just wanted something fun and safe to do locally.
“The fact that it was for a good cause just made them even more inclined to want to be part of it.
“I had people asking for more tickets up to the day of the event, and have since been asked to do another one. “So the turnout was definitely a success. “We wanted to keep it lower in numbers so we could ensure the tables were socially distanced. This also added to the exclusivity of the event,” said Thompson.
Preparing for the show was no hardship for the Selcourt-based studio and started with the choreography in January and with the longer classes during the week, got ready in time for the fund-raiser.
It was their first time doing a show to raise funds for someone in need. “The extra practices kept our fitness levels up, and the dancers really came to the party in terms of practising at home and ensuring they know their work at every class “On the day, we felt very special because our hair and makeup were sponsored,” said Thompson.
“The actual benefit show raised R38 000 and once we announced this figure at the show, one of my beautiful dance families pledged to donate an extra R12 000 to bring our total to an outstanding R50 000,” said Thompson. Thompson said Karlien’s family burst into tears when they heard the amount that had been raised for their daughter’s care. “To see what we had achieved for this wonderful family was extremely fulfilling.
“They have been very grateful, and the extra funds have allowed them to increase Karlien’s treatments, which in turn will aid in her recovery.
“It has also taken a lot of pressure off them for their monthly costs,” said Thompson. Those who wish to donate to the Roets family can call 074 963 8955 or visit the Facebook page AlwaysBelieveKR.
