A record amount of R305 000 was raised at the ninth annual Sunflower Fund Charity Ball in association with IBV International Vaults. A total of 250 guests, dressed in black ties and ball gowns, attended the fundraising event.
Guests filled the pool deck of The Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel and were treated to KWV sparkling wine on arrival on Friday, 15 May. Saxophonist, Gerry Kunene, and the Vuka Drummers entertained guests whilst having their photos taken.
The money raised will be used by The Sunflower Fund to build the South African Bone Marrow Registry. Everyone who attended contributed to a much greater cause, as all funds raised at the event will pay for the education and tissue typing of potential bone marrow stem cell donors for inclusion in the registry. The more donors on the registry, the more hope leukaemia sufferers have of finding their one in 100 000 life-saving donor match.
The Great Ilanga Room was exquisitely decorated by Lemontree Concepts, and a gift of Sunflowers perfume sponsored by Elizabeth Arden awaited every lady. The winners of the enviable Bianca Warren designer dress and a weekend away trip for six people to Alpine Heath Resort were announced by Terence Pillay, who also acted as a compere for the evening.
The full and varied entertainment programme was put together by David Gouldie of Urban Edge Productions. The sound, lighting and staging was sponsored by Black Coffee, while Pan African Pyrotechnics added the impressive fireworks and glitter. Award-winning quintet, Take 5, put on an amazing show which was complemented by the Urban Edge Dancers and the talented Samantha Saunders. David Jenkins entertained the guests during dinner and The Warrior Knights ended off the evening’s entertainment.
Following the entertainment was a speech by Stephanie Berry of The Sunflower Fund, who paid tribute to The Sunflower Fund’s achievements and their incredible journey of hope since inception.
After a moving DVD, a very successful auction was conducted by Graeme Hawkins from Gold Circle, which raised R126 000.
For more information on how to become a bone marrow stem cell donor, contact 0800 121 082 (toll free) or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za.
