No effort was spared when the 790 guests dressed up for the 30th Celebration of the Rotary Club of Kloof’s Durban Pops on Saturday, 16th November. The annual fundraising event, sponsored by Adapt IT, was held at the iconic Durban City Hall and, with the Great Gatsby theme, feathers, pearls, hats and fascinators were the order of the evening. Guests were greeted by six gorgeous models from Extreme Model Management and shown either to their table of ten or to the upstairs circle seating.
The KZN Philharmonic, which also turned 30 this year, performed under the conductorship of the always entertaining, Richard Cock. Soloists included violinists Nina Kolev and Elena Kerimova and singers Lauren Laing, Shylo Pereira and Wayne Mkhize. The musical line up for the evening varied from classical to contemporary – from Verdi to Adele, Gershwin to Sting – and the audience didn’t hold back on the standing ovations. Twenty six year old Tenor, Wayne Mkhize, stole the show with his powerful and emotive voice.
The breath-taking flower arrangements on the stage and the themed table décor were organised by the Rotary Anns of Kloof, who never disappoint. These arrangements have become symbolic with the fundraising event and the first thing guests notice as they walk through the entrance into the City Hall.
The delicious Seafood Cocktail starter and Lamb Shank main course was followed by Chocolate Eclairs, Lime Tarts and Eat Greek Caterers’ signature Baklava dessert. Wine was supplied by Blaauwklippen and Vrede and Lust and the water was sponsored by Aquella. The evening ended off with fabulous prizes being given to five lucky guests, including a weekend away at Makaranga Lodge and a mini IPad from Adapt IT.
The Rotary Club of Kloof expects to raise R65 000 from the event and proceeds will be donated to various Rotary Charities with the main beneficiary being S.M.I.L.E. (St Mary’s Interactive Learning Experience). S.M.I.L.E., established in 1991, is a community-based organisation that evolved as a result of an urgent need in education to develop the English language skills of isiZulu speaking learners and their teachers.
The Rotary Club of Kloof would like to Adapt IT for sponsoring the event for six years in a row, Setzkorn Health and Wealth for being a sub-sponsor, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) for their contribution, TWBA Hunt Lascaris for all the design work, Fastprint for the printing and Vector Logistics for their assistance.
For more information on the Rotary Club of Kloof or to become a member please contact Selwyn Comrie on comrie@iafrica.com.