On the 23rd of August (also the birthday of founder Sue van der Linde’s late Mother “Iris” Iris House Children’s Hospice held their 3rd annual ball at the Table Bay Hotel. This is the second year the event has been held at the venue which provides the Ballroom free of charge. The Table Bay Hotel also donated a two night stay for auction, restaurant voucher as a spot prize and two cases of wine.
In the run up to the Ball, Iris House offered a “date” with The Sexiest Man in Politics Mr. Tim Harris of the DA via various newspapers and social media. This highly contested seat was finally awarded to Iris House Mom Sheila Belcher. Tim was joined by his lovely wife Cara at the event. He was every inch the gentleman ensuring both of his “ladies” had a wonderful evening.
Other VIP’s attending included Minister Alan Winde and his wife Tracy an Iris House Volunteer , Ina Paarman and her husband, Miss Jnr SA Monique Basson and SA’s Miss India Rahsha Gosai. President of SISA (Soroptimist International South Africa) Listette Genseberger, husband Alfons and Mom Lieske, a long standing member of SICHG (Soroptimist International Cape of Good Hope) Titilayo Audekokun former Miss Ohio, Second Runner-up to Miss America and internationally acclaimed Jazz singer.
This year Iris House partnered with Event Management experts EnOv8 who provided all their services free of charge. MD Nicole Rollings and Peter Watson: Business Development Manager took time out of their busy schedules to ensure that no detail was overlooked. Together with the Iris House board and fundraising team they created an evening of excellence, entertainment, laughter and emotion.
On arrival, guests were treated to Graham Beck bubbly, and Oysters served by Ollie of the Oyster Kings and a red carpet photo opportunity provided by experts Vizion Photography whilst pianist Barbara Kleinpenning entertained on the baby grand piano. Premier Helen Zille joined the guests and mingled till it was time to enter the Ballroom. The tables were beautifully decorated in the Parisian theme, with estate wines from Graham Beck and Freedom Hill Wine Estate . Each guest received a goodie bag with an array of gifts including luxury skincare and fragrance products donated by the Prestige Cosmetic Group plus Amarula Cream liqueur and chocolates
On entering the Ballroom, guests were greeted by the fantastic voice of singer Phoenix . Dancers from Dance X-treme school of dance lead by Iris House Mom, owner Principal dance teacher and choreographer Michelle Wright treated guest to displays of tap, ballet and modern dance throughout the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement that Iris House had secured their Hospice property on the grounds of Stikland , this had cleared by cabinet just in time for the Ball.
Premier Helen Zille gave a moving speech, pledging her support for the Charity not only by granting the property but also with a donation of R20, 000.00. Former President FW de Klerk was unfortunately not able to attend the evening, however he was represented by Mr. David Stewart head of the FW de Klerk Foundation, who read an inspirational speech prepared by Mr. de Klerk who also pledged R20,000.00 to the Charity.
But the surprises kept on coming. First time guests at the Ball, The De Vere Group, who had already donated R10, 000,00 earlier in August, were so moved by the evening that they pledged an additional R40,000..00 and practical assistance towards the much needed repairs on the house. Other guest pledged their help to repair plumbing, electrical work, painting, there was even an offer to pay the rent for a year !
MC and Auctioneer Danilo Acquisto of Hectic Nine 9 fame did a fantastic job of entertaining the guest’s and raised another R50,000.00 on the auction . Bringing the total raised on the evening to an amazing R130.000,00.
The guests ended the evening with some serious moves on the Dance Floor when DJ Rene “The Frenchmen” took to the stage with his own brand of dance music. Sound and lighting for the evening was provided by husband and wife team Grant & Clare Van Zyl of Rolling Audio
All the photos are available on the Iris House Facebook Page
If you weren’t lucky enough to get a seat at this years Ball, we suggest you book early for the 2015 event. Contact Iris House on info@iris-house.org