Charity ball was a success

THE Amy Foundation (formerly Amy Biehl Foundation) located in Sybrand Park, held a Spring Gala Ball Fundraiser at the prestigious Century City Conference Centre and Hotel.

Master of ceremonies Alan Committie was hilarious and the entertainment by the young beneficiaries of the fundraiser was spectacular. Divas 3 Tons of Fun entertained the attendees with their smooth repertoire of songs.

In a speech, Kevin Chaplin, the managing director of the Amy Foundation, remarked that with its mission of educating, developing and empowering disadvantaged youngsters to become emotionally well-rounded, contributing citizens – changing lives was its primary focus.

Last year, the foundation was able to take 780 youngsters on camps into nature, introduced chess, cycling and maths, placed 215 pupils in full-time employment and much more. One of our youngsters, Akhona, who started when he just 11 years old, was placed at Twelve Apostles Hotel and became employee of the year last year. Another former pupil, Sibusiso, started at 9 years old and is now a trainee manager at Pick n Pay. More than 2 000 children and youth attend the six after school centres every day, receiving a daily meal, materials, equipment, transport and outings.

Aiming to raise a R1 million at the spring ball, the foundation continues to increase its outreach programmes. Owing to efficiencies and stringent control, it costs the foundation only R400 a month a child to attend the enrichment programmes, provide a daily sandwich and drink, materials, equipment, transport, outings and school holiday camps throughout the year.

The situation in the townships is still dire – more than 50% of children who start Grade 1 do not write Grade 12. The children participating in the programmes, however, are developing well. There is much-needed work with the youth in the townships. The Amy Foundation motto is: “Together we can change lives!”

Special thanks to joint chief executive officers of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel, Gary Koetser and Glyn Taylor, for their generous sponsorship of the venue.

Well done to managing director Kevin Chaplin and the Amy Foundation team for their efforts, and Cape Town sponsors for their support. COUNCILLOR MARK KLEINSCHMIDT Ward 60, Kenwyn