Our 6th Annual Touching the Heart Gala Event took place on Friday 3 November. It was the most amazing, special evening. Thank you to each and everyone who attended our Gala and supported us. Words cannot describe how thankful we are for all the love.
A NGO is not only three people, or five, or twenty. It is a family, a community and a sense of belonging. Pieter Fourie (Founder ) had a vision 10 years ago. The NGO was started because there was sadness and loss, and the hope was to make something good come out of all of this. The NGO has grown into something that will forever inspire people. Pieter - thank for bringing us together, and trusting and believing in us to run with it.
Thank you to all our guests for helping us create the platform for a more intimate special needs community. For giving your time to learn about what we do.
Kiekiephoto - Ronelle and Daniel. You are family. We have known each other for more than 15 years. Thank you for always going the extra mile (even if it means climbing trees or ladders ) and for capturing this event so perfectly. Please go follow their page and book your own session with them - you will be very happy with the results - that is a promise. Their photos speaks for themselves.
A special thank you to our team for always being there, for the advice and all the input. Thank you for the massive role you play, and for allowing us to learn from you.
Desiree from Tygerburger, Daniel and Friends Fund Ambassadors: Michelle Gildenhuys Adams, Merlize du Toit, Micia Smit, Minki Burger, Mishka Patel Loesch and Patricia Smit. Patriots Dr Darren Green and Karen Smit. Every time we are in your presence we are inspired.
Daniel and Friends Fund Board members Rose-Hannah Brown, Nico Walters, Kevin Brown and Leana Sutherland.
To our MC - PG Engelbrecht - wow. Just wow. You had people laughing and guessing. Thank you - we appreciate you. Thank you for agreeing to be a part of our team as Patriot. We are honoured.
Our line up for the evening: Martelize Brink (speaker) - thank you for inspiring guests and sharing your journey. Emil Struwig (Entertainment) for your musical talent and getting guests on their feet dancing. Members from the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra for providing the background music as guests arrived.
Candice - you donated your time, your love and your heart and soul into the Touching the Heart photobook - we will forever be inspired by your work.
An evening like this would not be possible without the generous support of the community.
A big thank you to the following sponsors: Eensgezind function venue for their endless support and sponsorship towards this evening
Our wine sponsor - Deetlets wines. Bea - thank you for the person you are, for your heart and for believing in us. We are so thankful to have you as part of our team.
Our gin sponsor - Sugarbird Distillery
Charlotte van Schalkwyk for the stunning gift cards on the tables that guests could take home. Charlotte - thank you for sharing your talent with us, for always smiling and sharing your heart. It is such a privilege to have you as part of our family.
To everyone that donated towards our auction and lucky draws. We will still thank everyone individually for their sponsorships - please go and support these amazing brands and business. Every single person that contributed and donated to the success of this evening. All funds raised will go directly toward uplifting and supporting the Daniel and Friends Fund families.