Durban’s famous 31 Club is entering its 50th year, a major milestone in its history. Its proud members are planning a grand celebration at this year’s July Ball, to be held on Wednesday, June 29, just ahead of the Vodacom July Handicap.
A fabulous “Black Tie” occasion for around 250 guests, the ball is going to be held at the Elangeni Hotel, Durban. Chef Shaun Munro will cater for the event, while guests will dance the night away to the smooth sounds of Afritude. The Vodacom July horses will be auctioned by Graeme Hawkins from Gold Circle during the evening, with proceeds going to 31 Club Charities.
Contact either Cheryl Gerber- ggerber@iafrica.com or Jo Behr – mikeb@sos.co.za for bookings.
The 31 Club supports a wide range of charities and will consider any requests for funds from a valid group or organisation. The youth, the elderly and dying, the physically challenged, animals and the environment are all supported by the Club’s fund raising activities. In 2010 the club raised R450 000. The final figure for 2011 is still to be announced.
Members of the 31 Club said they were indebted to the many companies who believe in what they are trying to achieve and support the organisation very generously. If you would like to get involved, go to the website.
About the 31 Club
The 31 Club was started in 1962 under the chairmanship of Norma Rattray, who has continued to give her full support to the club.
A registered non-profit fundraising organisation, the 31 Club was formed in 1962 by a group of women under the chairmanship of Norma Rattray.
The principal aim of the Club is to raise funds for charities in KwaZulu-Natal. As the group consisted of 31 volunteers, the club was named accordingly, and the membership always remains at no more than 31. The 31 Club members work entirely on a voluntary basis.
There are more than 100 loyal “sleeping members” who assist with the various functions, offering their time and expertise in the organisation and implementation of these fundraising events.
Fundraising is in the form of four major functions annually: a Men’s Golf Day; a Ladies Golf Day; a Bridge Drive; and the flagship function, The July Ball; which has since become well known as a forerunner to the Vodacom July Handicap.
The 31 Club is a very successful organisation with approximately 98% of funds raised being distributed to selected and monitored charities in and around Durban, of which there are currently 47, with a further 10 charitable outreach programmes active.
All catering and decor is done by the members of the Club, and each function sees a new and vibrant theme come to life with great attention to detail and presentation.