The Atlantic Imbizo conference centre was the venue for a glittering gala event on Saturday 29 October; this was the final jewel in the fundraising crown for the SACS Waterpolo Tour to Hungary in January next year.  The two earlier events were a very successful golf day and an awesome action polo challenge.

Some 250 guests mixed and mingled in a glitzy setting on a rooftop, under a Bedouin tent overlooking the waters of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Live music was provided by Bac Trac  and the dancing continued into the early hours of the morning. This set the mood for a fun-filled evening where some amazing items were offered up for auction to the highest bidder.  Examples of some of the items auctioned off by John van der Spuy were a trip to a private lodge in the Madikwe game reserve (sponsored by old boy Chris Rightford), an original oil painting of Long Street by Gavin Collins, some Nederburg auction wines and luxury accommodation in hotels such as the Saxon, the Taj, 15 on Orange and the Crystal Towers Hotel.

Besides the fundraiser, the evening was also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the SACS Old Boys Water Polo Club. This club was started by Alan Footman (Current Chairman of the SACS Old Boys Union) and who is still an active member and player. The photo of the first old boy teams was a stark reminder that time stands still for no one. The Old Boys are currently enjoying great support with 4 men’s and a ladies’ team competing in the local leagues.

“Cindy Low and her team worked miracles to make this event a reality,” said John Chapman, chair person of the fund raising committee.  “And it has been a resounding success helping to raise the funds required to make the tour affordable, especially now with the Rand/Euro exchange rate spiralling ever upward.”

John stressed the important contribution made by the sponsors of all three fundraising events: “Without the support of our many sponsors we could never have succeeded in raising the money we required to make the tour possible,” he said.  “I want to thank each one of them for their generosity and I also wish to thank all the members of the fundraising committee for their enthusiasm and commitment.  Thanks to our sponsors and the hard work of the team we are now able to look forward to an exciting tour which will be a highlight in the lives of the boys and provide a solid foundation on which SACS waterpolo can build for the future.”

The names of the sponsors are listed below.

The tour group gratefully thanks the following, who contributed towards the prizes, facilities and catering for this event:

Felix Unite                                                                                   Saxon Hotel & Spa                                                  Taj Hotel                                                                                    Atlantic Imbizo 

15 On Orange Hotel                                                                     Gavin Collins                                                    Buffalo Ridge                                                                  Cape Town Fish Market

Cloof Wines                                                                               Edgebaston Wines                                             Grant Rightford                                                                                Mola Tents
 
Exclusive Hire                                                                         John Brown Media                                               African sales                                                                              Breco Seafoods

Cape Country Lamb                                                        Robert Raw Photography                                Southern Cross Seafood Deli                                                        Forresters Arms

Krugmans Grill                                                                           Karen Gloor                                                       Nomadik Flooring                                                                                    Moya

Free Spirit Tours                                                                      AV Stageworx                                                  12 Apostles Hotel                                                                Birkenhead Restaurant

The Rose Cafe                                                              Christa – Honey Jewellery                                          Lenore Holding                                                                         Jenny MacCalgan

Constantia Malbec Wines                                                 La Lude Wine Farm                                      Aroma Liquors - Constantia                                                               Picardi Rebel

Dermalogica                                                                       Dr Brandt - Orlane                                                 Tanzanite Wines                                                                         Absolute Audio

                                                                                           Body Bronze Boutique                                             Precision Packaging