Grande Provence Raises R182, 400 for Multiple Sclerosis

The 5th Big 5 Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser Luncheon held at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek on Sunday 29 May 2011, conceptualised by the owner of Grande Provence and Shani Marais, successfully raised R182, 400.00 for The Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa (MSSA), Western Cape helped by the guru of auctioneers, Ariella Kuper of Auction Alliance.

The luncheon, which took place in The Gallery on the Estate, was attended by 96 guests with Ryan O’Connor as Master of Ceremonies - Patron of MS Western Cape - along with headline artist Irit Noble and auctioneer Ariella Kuper who encouraged guests to bid on the amazing Big 5 auction items and all three helped to create valuable awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, which affects thousands of South Africans each year.

Grande Provence’s Executive Chef, Darren Roberts lead the 5 course culinary proceedings joined by Michelin star Chef, Michel Louws who flew in from the Estate’s sister property, Huka Lodge in New Zealand, Rudi Liebenberg from the Mount Nelson, Gregory Czarnecki from Waterkloof Estate and Roland Gorgosilich from Grande Roche who prepared this decadent 5 course feast, complemented by the award-winning Grande Provence wines created by legendary Winemaker, Jaco Marais.

Comments General Manager of Grande Provence, Amanda Roberts, “It’s the fifth year Grande Provence has hosted and co-created this important event and we wanted to build greater awareness about MS and those suffering with the disorder. A huge gratitude to the local businesses that donated incredible auction items as well as many individuals that gave up their time and expertise. As a result we raised R182, 400.00 that will significantly help to improve many lives through the support of the MS Society, Western Cape headed up by Non Smit.”

Guests were entertained throughout the day by talented artists such as Marimba Vibrations, Tony Nelson, Emil Struwig, Darryl Walters and Kari who also gave up their time and talents to make the fundraiser a memorable event.

Each Executive Chef selected one of their favourite signature dishes and presented guests with a fine 5 course menu consisting of a trio of ostrich, rainbow trout gravlax, Karoo lamb, peanut and chocolate dessert and a decadent cheese board all complemented by Grande Provence’s award winning wines.

During the course of the day a significant auction and raffle took place which wouldn’t have been possible without the official sponsors - Women’s Health Magazine, Love Photography, Thanda Private Game Reserve, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Bartholomeus Klip, Hotel Izulu, Base 4 Helicopters, The Saint. James, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, Mount Nelson Hotel, Boulders Beach Lodge & Restaurant, Hout Bay Manor, Waterkloof, Wine Tourism Handbook, Theatre on the Bay, Lindt, Aandkoor Guest House, Haute Cabrière, Manic Cycles, PTP Productions, Sanccob, To Netts, Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Ceres Zip Slide Tours, On Broadway, Shani Marais Photography, Franschhoek Flowers,  Tonettes, Henning Ludeke, Michaela Janse Van Vuuren and Hennie Meyer.