WATCH: Stars line up for local rebuild aid
The fundraiser was inspired by former Empangeni High School pupil Marianne Postma, now living in Washington, who wanted to help out her old home town where her mother Ruby still lives.
THE ‘home-grown’ campaign to raise funds in the USA for looter-ravaged local communities is gaining momentum thanks to some of Hollywood’s elite.
The fundraiser was inspired by former Empangeni High School pupil Marianne Postma, now living in Washington, who wanted to help out her old home town where her mother Ruby still lives.
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Needing a bigger platform to spread her message, she reached out to her friend and former model Ruvé Robertson, another ex-Empangeni resident now married to Desperate Housewives and Suits actor Neal McDonough.
With their reach into the world of actors and sports celebrities, the word soon spread, garnering support from the likes of singer Michael Buble and the iconic ‘spaghetti western’ legend, Clint Eastwood.
Also on the list of supporters is former NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman who, despite his ‘bad boy’ image on and off the court, has shown a soft heart aiding Empangeni and other affected areas.
Arranged fundraisers will include a gala event on Sunday, 8 August at the Springbok Bar & Grill in Los Angeles where Emile Welman (who composed the soundtrack for Invictus) will be performing.
An online auction site has been created, which includes items such as a Zoom call with Michael Buble where the winner can sing a song with the famous artist, and a Clint Eastwood-signed rugby jersey from the movie Invictus. There are also curio and art pieces up for sale.
The funds will be distributed through help organisations including Hope on the Move, Droogtehulp, Rebuild Zululand and Empangeni Rotary Club.
Visit the online auction site at https://app.galabid.com/rebuildsouthafrica/items
