GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - There are a whole lot of reasons for Carpe Diem School to be excited about the opportunity to host its annual Gourmets & Gourmands gala evening on Saturday, August 26.
As is the norm, many businesses and individuals have also grabbed the chance to contribute towards the ultimate success of this essential fundraiser for the school.
Of course, credit must go to all participating restaurateurs and their teams, now finalising preparations to present you with the finest food and wines known to mankind.
The continued support of premier partners Hartman & Sons & Standard Bank is to a great extent responsible for the ongoing success of this essential fundraiser, while the involvement of Standard Bank and Donegal Wines has also this year greatly added to the plethora of offerings to guests and media members covering the event.
Says Carpe Diem principal Elzeth Grobler: “The generosity of the Garden Route community has allowed us to raise hundreds of thousands of rands during these gala evenings – funds that directly and positively impact the lives of our learners.”
Two members of this great-hearted community now deserve special mention: Michél Nunes of Raffaele D'Amato Jewellers has once again created a piece of unequalled allure to be auctioned on the night. Also up for grabs will be a sculpture by Wilderness artist Ian Visser. Both unique pieces will boost the Carpe Diem coffers.
Michél’s spectacular creation, the Threads of Hope pendant, centres on a 20-carat Ametrine stone with purple and pale yellow hues. The crystal, imported from Brazil and with magical overflowing colours, is set in 9-carat yellow gold. It is complemented by 94 smaller (1-1.3ml) brilliant-cut, pave-set Moissanite stones.
The piece is valued in excess of R80,000 and does not include a chain, leaving it open to the wearer to display it higher up along the neck or lower down the décolletage, depending on dress colour, style and code.
When it comes to charitable causes, reminds Michél, one should always remember that what you give is all important; what’s gained is secondary. “The heart behind this piece is all about standing together – threads that, in unison, lead to a rainbow of happiness,” he says.
“Let’s equate this cluster of stones to a bunch of people coming together to spread happiness. This is what we’re here to do: let’s change the world and leave a rainbow in our wake.”
Wilderness-based artist Ian Visser is the owner of Cornerstone Creek, an art gallery and deli in Hoekwil. Here, he aims to create a nucleus for arts on the Garden Route, including live vocal performances and book launches. He also collaborates with the area’s Eisteddfod and offers art classes for students.
“Through these interactions and my involvement with community work, my path crossed with that of Elzeth and a beautiful relationship was born,” beams Ian, adding that this will be his second year of attending the G&G gala evening, but his first contribution in the form of art up for auction.
His intriguing sculpture The Olive Maiden was specially created for the annual Carpe Diem fundraiser. The work, comprising epoxy clay around a steel skeleton, is set inside a stained glass case. Hidden in the olive tree that sprouts from the maiden’s head are three olives, three leaves and a white dove.
“The love and passion with which Elzeth and her staff unconditionally do their work served as my inspiration – such devotion stems from faith and love. The Olive Maiden sits with pride but also radiates her innocence and belief in the Holy Trinity,” Ian explains.
Over the past 13 years, Gourmets & Gourmands has become a highly-anticipated social calendar item, attended by food aficionados and fun-loving members of the Southern Cape community.
On Saturday, 26 August, it will once again be time to savour everything this prestigious gastronomic gathering can dish up, dressed up in your most Marvellous Mediterranean threads. Email mimi@gojipr.net for additional information.
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