Imibala Summer Gala raises R12 million for children

At the second Imibala Summer Gala, a record amount of R12 million was raised for the children of the Imibala Trust.

First held at Vergelegen wine estate last year, the second Imibala Summer Gala hosted earlier this month on Thursday February 8, highlighted the important work of the NPO as well as raised much needed funds to further its various projects, and broaden its reach.

With Jo-Ann Strauss steering guests through a packed programme that included dance performances by the Imibala students, the crux of the evening was the auction with an incredible line-up of lots, many donated by private individuals and corporate sponsors.

With items ranging from impossible-to-get Centre Court tickets to the Wimbledon finals, luxury stays at Singita, Tswalu Kalahari and the Royal Portfolio Collection, a wine, music and dining experience in New York and the Hamptons, artwork by renowned sculptors and painters, and even the ownership of a racehorse for two years (all training and veterinary expenses paid), bidders were spoilt for choice with something tailored to every guest’s taste and interests.

Also part of the bidding were bespoke pieces created especially for Imibala, including a unique Mercedes-Benz G 400 d with Imibala detailing in a one-of-a-kind limited-edition colour.

For those not present, but still committed to supporting Imibala, a Silent Auction ran concurrently with a line-up that included fine wine, artwork by William Kentridge, and stays at the Belmond Mount Nelson and Drostdy Hotels in Graaff-Reinet. Plus, artwork created by the Imibala children.

Guiding guests through the extensive and dazzling array of lots, auctioneer and business founder Ariella Kuper, used her contagious energy to keep the momentum going, encouraging bids, including R1million for the Panerai Radiomir Bronzo, and over half a million for the NY experience, that includes tickets to Billy Joel at Madison Square Gardens.

The evening raised an astonishing R15.5million through both the live and silent auction, with a cumulative R12 million going directly to the children once expenses, including the base cost of the Mercedes Benz, have been paid.

This show of generosity and the substantial funds raised will have life-changing impact on the futures of the 800 pupils who attend the Imibala village in Somerset West every week; and the thousands who benefit more widely in the form of school supplies and uniforms annually.

It will also allow the organisation to grow and reach more beneficiaries across the country. Last year, the Gala’s success enabled the Trust to expand programmes in Graaff-Reinet and embark on plans for a new campus in Hermanus, enable a further 500 children to be a part of the Imibala programmes in Somerset West, and procure much-needed buses to transport the children to the centre daily. It also sent a group of eight students to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Guests at the reception were able witness first-hand some of the Trust’s students joyful passion in action, and see the impact that a supportive and empowering learning and creative environment has on nurturing budding talent.

With their artwork on display, and featuring in the Silent Auction, and a beautiful ballet performance by some of the dance students, followed by a rousing gumboot display, the relevance of the Gala was felt throughout.

“Through the generosity of so many we have been able to make a positive change on the lives of thousands of children,” says Founder and Chairwoman, Gaynor Rupert.

“I invite everyone interested to visit the Imibala village in Bright street, Somerset West, to get a real understanding of work we do and to witness first-hand the impact of Imibala.”