Community helps raise funds for Cecil

Fun was had at Cecil Vosloo’s fund-raiser held at Boni’s Sports Bar.

March 22, 2017

Puleng Sekabate 1 minute read

A special fund-raiser was held for Symhurst chess player, Cecil Vosloo (front), at Boni’s Sports Bar on March 11. Here Vosloo is surrounded by some of his friends and artists who performed at the event. Middle row: Annelize Pelzer (left), Whitney Barnardo, Tommy Gloss, Candice Barnardo and Penny Coombe. Back: Desmond Botha, Bruce Erasmus, Danny Stretton, Werner De La Rey and Leon Pelzer.

The Gerdview community heeded the call to support Cecil Vosloo’s fund-raiser event held on March 11.

Vosloo is a local chess player and author who has been chosen to represent the country at the 15th IBCA World Chess Olympiad for the Blind (GCN, December 16, 2016).

The event is set to take place in Macedonia from June 18 to 29.

The fund-raiser, which pulled in a huge crowd, was held at Boni’s Sports Bar.

“We are happy with the turnout; the estimated number of people was 200, which was great,” said one of the organisers, Candice Barnardo.

“We prepared for three weeks and it is really awesome that people answered the call to support this worthy cause.”

The day’s events included a potjie competition, jumping castle entertainment for children and performances from various local artists.

“We had a number of artists grace us with their musical talents. They included Lance James, Barbara Ray and Tommy Gloss,” said Barnardo.

The stage used on the day was sponsored by Designer Audio Systems.

“My wife, Annelize, and I are co-owners of Boni’s Sports Bar and we sponsored the event by giving the use of the venue free of charge,” said Leon Pelzer.

“Thank you to our sponsors, GUD Filters, Afrisam and many others.”

Vosloo was also happy people came to his fund-raiser.

“A lot of people opened their hearts and the atmosphere was great,” he said.

“Sometimes it is really difficult for disabled people to get sponsors. I wish more people could open their hearts and help where possible.

“I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to represent South Africa and I appeal to more people to help make this dream a reality.”

Vosloo thanked everybody who attended the event.

“I am humbled by everybody present and a big thank you to Leon, Annelize, Barnardo and my wife, Sonja, who all put in a lot of effort to make the event possible, I appreciate it,” he said.

“The amount raised on the day was R15 644,” said Barnardo.

“Thank you to the community and everyone who came and for making this day a success. We really appreciate it.”