Earlier this year, Gqeberha woman, Rushana Ahmed, told PE Express she would be hosting a ‘Charitea’ event in honour of her late sister, Raeesa Ahmed, after she tragically died in a car accident a few years ago.
This was the second event in Raeesa’s honour, and while the family aimed to raise R22 000 as she would have turned 22 years old this year, they were pleasantly surprised to learn attendees and other supporters donated a whopping R32 064.75.
All proceeds went to the Algoa Frail Care Centre.
Hosted at The Barn in Gqeberha, a picturesque all-in-one venue, the 250 attendees were treated with a true high-tea experience.
Snacks, refreshing warm and cold beverages, goodie bags from Woolworths, one of the sponsors, and a vibrant MC, Bradley Goldman, who made sure to serenade the ladies with his R&B covers and get them throwing all their worries away on the dance-floor, all contributed to attendees enjoying their sunny Sunday at the event.
“Thank goodness Raeesa loved sneakers; imagine how tired we’d be if we did all this dancing and jumping in heels!” one of the attendees joked.
In addition to the dancing and eating, guests were spoiled with gifts from lucky draws up to the value of R3 000.
From spa vouchers, to a Nutribullet blender, everyone hoped their ticket had the winning numbers!
Four young ladies from Nicky Ray Productions gave an electrifying performance of Swedish pop group ABBA’s popular Mamma Mia.
Guest speaker, Counselling Psychologist Leanne Naidoo, shared with the ladies tools on how to increase resilience using the acronym, TACTS:
- T – Try something new.
- A – Acceptance: A radical acceptance of things you cannot change.
- C – Connect with people who top up your emotional tank.
- T – Thankfulness: Have a gratitude journal where you keep track of things you are grateful for daily.
- S – Smile and have a sense of humour.
After briefly explaining each letter, Naidoo invited the ladies onto the dance-floor again for some Bollywood dancing.
“I’ve received so much great feedback; ladies have indicated that it was money well spent and everyone is saying that they can’t wait for the next one,” said Ahmed, reflecting on the success of the event.
“Many have sent me a message saying that the event changed their views of a ‘high tea’, which is great. I achieved my goal and I’m super happy that it was a success.”
