This year the Amy Foundation Gala Dinner celebrates Phenomenal Women like Maya Angelou, Aviva Pelham, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Prof Thuli Madonsela, Linda and Amy Biehl. In Nelson Mandela’s speech when accepting the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998 he mentioned Biehl, “Among those we remember today is young Amy Biehl. She made our aspirations her own and lost her life in the turmoil of our transition, as the new South Africa struggled to be born in the dying moments of apartheid. Through her, our peoples have also shared the pain of confronting a terrible past, as we take the path towards reconciliation and the healing of our nation.” Amy Biehl was a beacon of light, the true reason that the Amy Foundation exists today and a Phenomenal Woman.
The last nineteen months have been challenging, but the Amy Foundation is resilient, and we continue to make a difference in the lives of our learners who attend the after-school programmes in the townships as well as our very successful youth skills development programme based in Sybrand Park. The Foundation Arts and Culture learners have been rehearsing and perfecting their craft and cannot wait to show our VIP guests what they have learnt despite all the challenges. Saturday 4th December cannot come soon enough for them! We are so grateful to our supporters and sponsors like Century City Conference Centre and Hotel, supported by Multi-Media and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, Hot ink and all other donors and supporters who make these events possible and assist us to raise much- needed funds.
Communications and Fundraising Manager, Michelle Bagley, joins us on the line..
We are truly honoured to have Prof. Madonsela as our keynote speaker at our Annual Gala Dinner honouring Phenomenal Women. A multiple award-winning legal professional, with over 50 national and global awards, Madonsela has eight honorary doctor of laws degrees, one of which was awarded by the Law Society of Canada. She holds a BA Law from Uniswa, a Bachelor of Laws from Wits University and a Harvard Advanced Leadership Certificate, and has been trained in legal drafting, leadership, strategic planning, scenario planning, gender mainstreaming, mediation and arbitration, and training facilitation, among other things. Named one of Time 100’s Most Influential People in the World in 2014 and Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2016.
The wonderful, warm, charming and funny Rob Van Vuuren will emcee this event and keep everyone entertained throughout the night and joining the Foundation entertainment line-up are Lana & Victor who became a classical singing duo in 2005. This brother and sister pair have dazzled many audiences with their vocal abilities and natural talent. The pair were invited to perform in the United Kingdom at the residence of BBC World’s gourmet chef, James Martin in 2006. James and the guests thoroughly enjoyed their superb performance. The duo has also performed several seasons on board the MSC Cruise liners, locally and abroad and was honoured to have the Master / Captain and his first officers attend their performances onboard – which rarely happens! Their repertoire includes favourites namely “Nessun Dorma”, “Brindisi”, “This is the moment”, “Liefling”, “You Raise Me Up”, “The Phantom of the Opera duets”, “O Mio Babbino Caro”, “Time to say goodbye” and many more… we are looking forward to a magical evening.
For friends and family unable to attend the in-person event, we are also embracing our virtual options and tickets can be bought online for only R100 per person, use the link to Quicket here:
This year we have another very exciting online auction, with some amazing items ready to be bid on, click on the link below to see what we have on offer. The online auction will close on Monday 6th December at 12h00. You can win outstanding experiences, beautiful art, wine and dine opportunities as well as unique adventures like a three-night stay for 2 adults at Khwai Leadwood, Botswana, a one night stay at the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa as well as two nights at Bridge house Kruger Shalati valued at R31 800 or two nights at Sanctuary Mandela and many more. Start bidding today: https://amyfoundation.clickauction.co.za/
Help us reach our target of R750 000 to keep the youngsters in our programmes in 2022.
Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
