Marina Botha, an attorney in town drove the project and its successful conclusion was made possible by a number of kind donations from individuals and local business. Hans Geldenhuys was a major donor, as well as numerous others – all of whose names appear on the donation bricks on the wall.
But who was John Spampinato?
John was an American citizen who moved to Raptors View in Hoedspruit about nine years ago. He loved Africa and vowed he would never return to the USA – and he never did.
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He had travelled extensively, especially in East Africa in pursuit of his dream retirement destination. He always felt sad that his family never felt the need to visit him here. However, when John died, they requested Marina to invest any money remaining in his Estate, towards a good cause. John loved children and always reached out to assist them whenever he could. Marina chose well in fulfilling the family’s wishes. John would have been so grateful. His legacy lives on and he won’t ever be forgotten by his close friends.
The cutting of the ribbon to the new building is being done by Joan Arnestad, a good friend of John’s from Raptors View on behalf of the family.
