Taking place at Vergelegen Wine Estate at 17:30 on Thursday 8 February, the Imibala Summer Gala returns as a night of excellence, raising funds for the important and meaningful work of the Imibala Trust.

First held in 2023, the inaugural Imibala Summer Gala raised an astounding R12 million through a live and silent auction that included fine art, collectable wine, bespoke experiences, watches and jewellery; including a bespoke Panerai timekeeper.

This year, the gala aims to further the profile and awareness around the trust, and once again raise money with many lifestyle, luxury and fashion brands, and renowned artists generously donating desirable lots with the goal of surpassing last year’s triumph.

Once-in-a-lifetime lots for an important cause

Just a sample of some of the incredible items up for auction in aid of the Imibala Trust’s fundraising target include a custom-made Mercedes Benz G 400 d (with a host of bespoke elements and in a unique colour), works from some of South Africa’s most accomplished artists, curated travel itineraries, and experiences that money on its own simply can’t buy.

Among them are trips to award-winning safari lodges Singita and Tswalu – purveyors of unsurpassed wilderness experiences, the ownership of a racehorse for two years (all expenses paid), and sought-after tickets to Centre Court at Wimbledon to watch the men’s and women’s finals in 2024.

Those not able to attend in person on the night can still support this worthy cause by participating in the silent auction, which will feature a selection of lifestyle and luxury items including local design, collectable wine, and fine art.

The silent auction takes place alongside the live auction on gala night (tonight, Thursday 8 February). The silent auction lots include two nights in a suite at the Mount Nelson with a personal pool cabana, dinner at Klein Jan in Franschhoek, luxury fashion from Merchants on Long, accessories from Okapi, and a diamond and ruby necklace from Chopard. Plus further art, travel and wine lots.

For full details of the catalogue, visit https://imibala.com/summer-gala-2024-silent-auction/.

To bid in the silent auction, which closes at 19:00 on Thursday 8 February, register with BidPro on https://www.bidpro.co.za/AuctionDetails/885.

In support of growth

All the money raised from the auction goes to supporting impoverished children in need. Core to the Imibala Trust approach is the support and growth of self-esteem and dignity through a holistic approach of empowering initiatives that address all aspects of a child’s well being. This includes academic, social, creative, mental and physical programmes that have empowered over 87 000 children since inception.

This progressive approach centres hands-on learning and support, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes everything from traditional academic learning, to robotics and programming, art, music and dance, cooking and gardening.

State-of-the-art education

Access to a state-of-the-art ballet studio, and fully equipped music and pottery studio, expose young learners to a wide range of outlets for their creativity and expression while helping to build social skills.

Just one of the successes made possible through the funds raised at the 2023 Imibala Summer Gala was the attendance of Imibala Trust students at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The eight talented young adults who make up the cast of Yes-Ya-Yebo – a celebration of song and dance in South Africa’s 12 official languages – performed to hugely positive reception.

Additionally, the sponsorship of thousands of children with a school uniform; the procurement of three buses (enabling the Trust to safely transport 780 children to and from the 27 schools it supports on a weekly basis), and a soon-to-open Imibala village in Hermanus, have all become a reality through the generous support of guests at last year’s event.

Imibala Founder, Gaynor Rupert, says: “Through the wonderfully generous support of guests who attended the inaugural Imibala Summer Gala, we have been able to make great strides in further developing the reach of the Imibala Trust.

“My great wish is to see an Imibala village in every small town where there is need, and I invite those with means to support our 2024 Gala, to celebrate the children and their efforts, and to make a positive contribution towards their development and future prospects.”