One of the male models from the catwalk, Lillian Dube and PJ Powers show their support for the Serendipitea fundraiser sponsored by Absa Private Bank.
Bonang Matheba, Penny Lebyane and Edith Venter take to catwalk to raise funds and awareness for The Hospice Association of the Witwatersrand.
It was a glamorous day at Summer Place, Johannesburg today. What added to the lustre of the day were the funds raised for charity through one of the most popular events on Johannesburg’s social circuit - Serendipitea ’11 – sponsored by Absa Private Bank.
The Serendipitea event is an annual high profile women`s event that is held annually
in aid of The Hospice Association of the Witwatersrand, a centre that promotes palliative care.
The Hospice Association of the Witwatersrand has cared for approximately 8 000 terminally ill patients and their families in the greater Johannesburg area, including Soweto, since January 2010. At least
6 000 patients were from previously disadvantaged communities.
“This is a major fundraising event that has been sponsored by Absa Private Bank for the past six years. It attracts businesswomen, celebrities and socialites who participate either as hostesses or as judges of table designs,” said Mohale Ralebitso, Managing Executive of Absa Private Bank.
Starting as a fashion show where second hand clothing was used, Serendipitea now sees top businesses wanting to decorate their own tables at the annual fundraiser. Each table is decorated according to a theme by a leading designer, and hosted by a South African celebrity. The table décor is judged by a panel of reputable judges, all experts in the fields of design, colour and fabric.
Under the banner of “muse”, the design theme for this year, the “tea party” fundraiser treated the generous guests to a fabulous outdoor fashion show, with entertainment being supplied by a variety of artistes and a three course brunch at the designer-themed tables. The meal was served by international award-winning caterer, Vicky Crease, while renowned fashion show host, Jan Malan, staged the Fashion Show.
Highlights of the glamorous fashion show included designer clothes by David Tlale, Thula Sindi, JJ Schoeman and other leading designers.
Top celebrities such as Bonang Matheba, Penny Lebyane and Edith Venter, amongst many other glamorous celebrities lent their time and talent by hitting the catwalk in top designer wear to raise funds for Hospice Wits.
Local media personalities and familiar South African celebrities hosted each unique table setting to lend their support for the fund-raiser. Louise Carver, Jolene Martin, Savita Mbuli, Christina Storm, Leanne, Lillian Dube, Claudia Henkel, Jen Su and PJ Powers were some of the celebrities who supported Serendipitea ’11.
An auction was also held, with auction items including some of the exquisite table centrepieces.
“We are delighted to be able to give back to our communities in which we conduct our business by hosting such an event,” said Ralebitso.
“At Absa, we care deeply for our communities and our involvement in Serendipitea speaks to our ongoing commitment to assist and endeavour to address the needs of our communities,” he said, adding that the event also aligns with the spirit of volunteerism that is currently being espoused nationally in honour of former state president Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
“In this regard, we would like to thank the entertainers and celebrities for donating their time and talents to such a worthy cause,” stated Ralebitso.
Said Hospice’s Samantha Atrash “Without the support of special people in the community, Hospice Wits could not provide this vital care to the community and we thank each and every donor for their loyal support towards our organisation. Without you, we would not be able to maintain our vital services to those who turn to us when it is most needed.”
Funds raised from Serendipitea ’11 will be tallied up over the course of the following week and distributed to the beneficiaries in due course.