A night of fine food, fun in aid of furry friends

COMBINE your love for animals with your love for good food by supporting the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha.

The animal clinic announced its first gala dinner, on April 27 at the prestigious Durbanville Hills Wine Farm. The exclusive event aims to raise vital funds for the animals of Khayelitsha, while offering guests an unforgettable evening of entertainment, gourmet dining and philanthropy.

Event organiser and fund-raiser Kelly Arendse said the clinic was excited about the event.

“Dine for Dogs gala dinner is going to be an evening of dining and philanthropy not to be missed.”

The gala dinner promises an enchanting atmosphere, uniting like-minded animal lovers in support of Mdzananda Animal Clinic's mission to improve the lives of animals in Khayelitsha.

“Guests can anticipate a delightful two-course dinner, complemented by table wine, as well as an array of captivating entertainment and informative talks throughout the evening.”

The clinic helps up to 1 500 sick, injured and homeless pets of Khayelitsha monthly.

“Our clinic and shelter are bursting at the seams and this requires a lot of funding. Our yearly cost is just under R5 million and we need all the support we can get from the public to help us care for the animals.

“We hope that we can sell out at our gala dinner to raise much-needed funds for the pets who rely on our services,” said Marcelle du Plessis, the fund-raising and communications executive.

Renowned radio presenter and MC extraordinaire Liezel van der Westhuizen will grace the event with her impeccable style and wit, guiding guests through an evening of laughter and camaraderie.

The entertainment line-up includes the comedic brilliance of South Africa's top ventriloquist, Conrad Koch, whose performances promise to leave guests in stitches. Adding to the ambiance, the Isibane se Afrika Choir will serenade the diners with exquisite harmonies, setting the stage for a memorable evening of giving back.

Central to the event is an exciting auction featuring exclusive items and experiences, providing guests with the opportunity to bid on coveted treasures while supporting a worthy cause.

From a luxury getaway to collectibles, the auction offers something for everyone, with all proceeds benefiting the animals of Khayelitsha.

“We are incredibly excited to host this event and invite our community to join us for an evening of compassion and generosity," said Kelly Arendse, the fund-raiser for Mdzananda Animal Clinic.

“Every ticket purchased not only ensures a memorable experience for our guests, but also makes a tangible difference in the lives of countless animals in need."

Tickets for the Gala Dinner & Auction are available for purchase on Quicket at www.qkt.io/galadinner2024 at R750 a head.

For those unable to attend, donations are gratefully accepted, further supporting Mdzananda's efforts to provide essential care and support to animals in Khayelitsha.

To reserve tickets or for more information contact Kelly at fund@ mdzananda.co.za.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary councilregistered NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha. The clinic serves an average of 1 500 animals a month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, sterilisations, mobile clinics and an animal ambulance.

Mdzananda has a strong focus on community empowerment and education to ensure responsible pet ownership into the future.