MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FANCOURT’S PRESTIGIOUS CHARITY EVENT

On Saturday 25 October 2008, two remarkable women, Sabine Plattner and Evita Bezuidenhout, will stand alongside one another to receive the crème de la crème of South Africa’s social set at the famed Fancourt Ball in George.

Rated the ‘Fifth Social Function in the World’ in 2001 by Gold, an international Condé Nast magazine, the Fancourt Ball is one of the most prestigious charity events in South Africa. This year, the event will surpass all previous Fancourt Balls through its breathtaking creative originality, coupled with entertainment by three of the country’s foremost stage and television personalities: the iconic satirist and playwright Pieter-Dirk Uys, Ian von Memerty, known as the inimitable ‘Captain Entertainment’ as well as for his hosting of the hit television series Strictly Come Dancing and of course Tannie Evita herself who has welcomed the participation of more than one hundred talented young dancers, singers and musicians from every community in George.

The theme of this year’s ball is UnWasted Talent. The concept has been devised by Nico de Klerk, one of SA’s leading designers of exhibitions, retail interiors and sets, whose work has been displayed from Cape Town to Las Vegas and Shanghai to great acclaim. Nico, who was born and bred in George, says, “This year’s Fancourt Ball will be like none other - I shall create beauty out of the unwanted and the unexpected, and together with crafters from George and the Garden Route, we will transform the venue into a breathtaking and elegant wonderland full of surprises – think Shack Chic deluxe!” This is an event that will, from start to finish, remind the superstars of society why they are there and it will undoubtedly be a remarkable night to remember.

Since the first Fancourt Spring Ball was held in 2000, millions of Rands have been raised for its benefiting charity, the George Family and Child Welfare Society.  Mrs. Plattner, the owner of Fancourt and Patron of George Child Welfare, is, together with husband Dr. Hasso Platner, completely committed to the upliftment of the George Community and her involvement with the Society has lent it much credibility resulting in the organisation going from strength to strength. She says, “The wealth of the country lies in its people, particularly the children, who are our future.”

Mrs. Bezuidenhout, the Most Famous White Woman in South Africa, commented, “I am honoured to be the hostess of the prestigious Fancourt Ball which has always been a celebration of generosity and care - beautiful people, exquisite clothes, exceptional food, unique entertainment and exclusive fun. And through it, the world outside becomes a better place.”

Tickets for the Fancourt Ball cost R2,500 per person and can be purchased by calling Christine Loopstra at Fancourt on 044 804 0066. All proceeds will go towards the renovation and expansion of the George Child Welfare Safe House. More details on the Safe House to follow soon.

In the words of Tannie Evita, ‘See you at Fancourt, skatties – let us celebrate life!"