A beautiful evening set the scene for the second Imibala Summer Gala, where a record R12 million was raised for the children of the Imibala Trust.

First held at Vergelegen Wine Estate in 2023, the second Imibala Summer Gala highlighted the important work of the NPO and raised much-needed funds to further its various projects and broaden its reach.

A night of excellence and generosity

With Jo-Ann Strauss elegantly steering guests through a packed programme that included touching dance performances by the Imibala students, the crux of the evening was of course 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 two superb pieces created specially for Imibala – a Panerai timepiece and a bespoke 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 expertly through the extensive and dazzling array of lots, auctioneer and business founder Ariella Kuper used her contagious energy to keep the momentum going, encouraging phenomenal bids, including R1 million for the Panerai Radiomir Bronzo, and over half a million for the NY experience, that includes tickets to Billy Joel at Madison Square Gardens.

All told, the evening raised an astonishing R15.5 million 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.

Making an impact on young futures

This inspiring show of generosity and the substantial funds raised will have life-changing impact on the futures of the 800 learners 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.

Inspiring empowerment in action

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.

At heart Imibala is about creating brighter tomorrows for thousands of South Africans. By hosting the Imibala Summer Gala it not only broadens the reach of opportunity for the children, but also makes it even more effortless for those with means to contribute in a profound and positive way.

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

“I invite everyone interested in visiting 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.”

For more information on the Imibala Trust, visit https://imibala.com/

To book a visit to Imibala, call CEO Theo Willemse on 021 852 0418.