GALLERY: Women wearing their maddest hats for a cause
And if you missed out on this one then you've missed the mad hatters tea party of the year to which women were invited to wear their maddest hats for a cause.
HURRY, hurry I can’t be late for this very important date!
And if you missed out on this one then you’ve missed the mad hatters tea party of the year to which women were invited to wear their maddest hats for a cause.
On Saturday, June 30 the chapel at The Art Farm was a burst of colour, right through from the entrance to the carefully and extraordinary decorated tables inside – not to forget the colourful and creative hats floating on heads bobbing from table to table.
The heartbreaking story of how Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services was started, was enough inspiration for a group of ladies from Glenvista to jump into action and organise a massive fund-raiser in aid of this hospice.
Anne Cruickshank, one of the organisers said: “Myself and a friend, Paula Robertson, went to a talk in March this year at Café la Plume in Glenanda where the CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice, Tersia Burger, delivered a speech on the history and the reason for starting this hospice in our community.
“We were so touched by the story of Tersia and her dying daughter, Vicky, and the role that a hospice played in their lives in terms of support and ensuring quality end-of-life. My own mom died in a facility where, if I wasn’t with her in her last moments, she would have died alone,” Anne explained.
Anne and Paula got together with two more ladies from their church group, Claudia Dippenaar and Laura Markus. “We initially thought to host a tea for 20 ladies in our church hall. Well, with the enthusiasm and determination of the group, the “tea party” soon grew into an event where 240 ladies attended.”
The tables were decorated by 24 hostesses who each had to invite 10 ladies to join the table. Raffle tickets were also sold and various sponsorships were sourced.
Those attending were spoiled with a variety of eats and great surprise giveaways with the cherry on the cake the donation to the hospice at the end of the day.
When a cheque of R75 000 and a R5 000 Spar voucher was handed over to Tersia Burger, CEO Stepping Stone Hospice, she could not hide her surprise.
“I am blown away by what I saw today,” said Tersia. “Not only the amazing sum of monies raised but the initiative shown and the enthusiasm with which the great ideas were implemented – how do we begin to thank you for what you have achieved today,” said Tersia as she received the cheque from the organising committee.
“At Stepping Stone Hospice, we pride ourselves in our group of highly trained clinical staff, psycho-social workers and counsellors who hardly ever leave the sides of patients and their family members and friends. However, it comes at a cost – a cost that can run into thousands of rands, especially when a patient simply doesn’t have the means or a medical aid to pay. Bear in mind that we not only visit or admit the patients but also provide medicines, nappies, wound dressings and care workers for the home-based patients.
“That’s why we raise funds. The reality is that on average 20 per cent of our patients are financially unable to contribute towards their care. If one translates this back to rands and cents, it means an average of R200 000 shortfall on our monthly budgets. And for some unknown reason, during the months of May and June this year, the 20 per cent escalated to nearly 45 per cent. In August and September last year, the percentage rose to a staggering 85 per cent of patients unable to make a financial contribution to their care.
“So on behalf of our patients, I thank you and I salute you!”
Thank you
The organisers wish to thank the following sponsors who made this event possible: Blessings cash from anon, Chase Hairdressing, Spar North Rand, The Art Farm, Cornerstone Projects, Ricky’s Chicken, Eim-Quip (Pty) Ltd, Seak Solutions )Pty) Ltd, J29 Community Care Centre, Raphael SA Cake Boss, Dykes van Heerden / Allegiance, We do that, Clinton Dippenaar, Aura Thai Spa Bassonia, Just Different, Belem Restaurant, Business Images, Simone Russel artist, Postnet Mulbarton, Café di Roma, Bronwyn Beauty Parlour, Café Le’ Plum, Davida McDonald, Bev, Lynn, Lorraine and all the ladies at social club, Umsha, Russell and Alan, Diverse Gifts, Paul James Newmarket, Chris and Sylvia, Paula and Trevor, Niki’s Nail Design and Beauty, Ignite Your Imagination, Rita and Deidre, Il Camino Restaurant, Sandwich Baron Southdale and Alberton North, Sylvia Reitz and Duracell Bunny / Laura.
Also Read:
WATCH: 94.7 FM visits Stepping Stone Hospice
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