August 20 is a multi-purpose bash for the Invisible Phenomenal Women awards.
This function next week will include a bash for initiative founder, Sonja Luus, who celebrates her 50th birthday on the same day.
Mrs Luus’s family will also be in attendance.
Heading toward her half-century, the Phenomenal Women founder said she had been involved in community projects for eight years and the initiative itself for two.
“This resulted in my networking with almost all the mainstream welfare organisations, and we have become colleagues and friends.”
These community members will join previous Phenomenal Women awards winners and Mrs Luus’s friends from as far as Pretoria.
A second special item on the agenda is the dedication to Erna Odendaal. Mrs Odendaal was a teacher in Newcastle for 30-odd years, and Mrs Luus knew her as a ‘prayer warrior’ who remained positive despite serious health problems over the years.
She was described as an inspiration, positive and soft-spoken.
“Her love, patience and kind heart encircled her. I had the privilege to meet her many years ago, when I was her ex-husband’s Personal Assistant.”
Mrs Luus called it an honour to acknowledge Mrs Odendaal at last year’s Phenomenal Women awards, not knowing it would be the first and last.
“This will be a last salute to a great and wonderful phenomenal woman, who has touched lives everywhere she went. One of Erna’s daughters, Suné will attend alongside other family members, in honour and celebration of a great life.”
Tickets for this extraordinary function are almost sold out.
Due to the vast number of residents who knew Mrs Odendaal and hoped to again pay respects, more seats have been made available. The function begins at 8.30am and continues until about 2pm. Tickets are R50 per person and are only available through bookings on 034 315 2637, and are open to the general public including men.
