Annual Ball 2012

We celebrated a decade of Annual Balls in 2012, holding our 10th Ball on 1 September in the middle of a very stormy weekend at The Lookout at the V&A Waterfront. Fortunately the rain stopped in time for the 260 guests to arrive in style, dressed in the spirit of the theme: “The Captain’s Table”. Pirates, ship’s captains, nautical colours and the odd vagabond joined us for our celebrations. The tables were beautifully decorated with locally hand-carved fish, handcrafted sailing ships and fresh proteas from Gloria Farm, and the venue was laid out with lavish chill areas and bar facilities generously provided by Red Hot Events.

 
The evening was a resounding success – out best Ball ever, many proclaimed! Music was provided by the SACS Brass Quintet and ex-gangster, Larry Joe who recorded his first CD just before he was released from prison, and is a protégé of well-known SA band, Freshly Ground.
 

The latter part of the evening was spent dancing to great music provided by the DJ.  Speaker Derryn Campbell from AwesomeSA reminded us of the beautiful country that is our home, while a vibrant auction was directed by Jonathan Smiedt for the 10th time, and the whole evening was brilliantly managed by MC, Mike Wills.
 
With a fabulous array of auction items including a haute couture dress, sparkling jewellery, modern artworks, adventure holidays, bush experiences and delicious wines, Jonathan Smiedt did a fantastic job in helping us to raise over R325 000. We also sold the table decor which added to the financial success of the evening.
 
The beautiful venue, wonderful music and most importantly the vibe and support of our Solstice supporters, meant that this was truly the best ball ever. Thanks must go to all those below whose sponsorship, donations and discounts made it possible for us to host the event at such a wonderful place in such an awesome manner.
 
A special thank you to:
V &A Waterfront, Venturescapes , Chattels, WorldSport South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Red Hot Events And Hiring, Presentation Staging (Pty) Ltd, Pick ‘n Pay, Escoffier Catering, The Table Cloth Hiring Company, Rent-a-Candle, Jonathan Smiedt of Claremart Auctioneers, Derryn Campbell (Awesome SA), Mike Wills, SACS Brass Quintet, Francesca Biancoli & Cristina Rossi, Larry Jo’s Band, Sue-Ann Allen, Charles Greig Jewellers, Singita Lebombo (Pty) Ltd, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Ma-Afrika Hotel Grp – Coopmanhuijs Hotel, Gonsenhauser’s Fine Rugs, Robyn Roberts Bridal &Evening Wear, Heartfelt, Caitlin Cooke, Saatchi & Saatchi, Gloria Farm, Fiona Ewan-Rowett , Gill Cowan, Gill Alderman Gallery, Mel Elliott, Donna Mckellar, Helen During, Bev Monthe, Baba Jalek, Mike Bosman, Neil and Linda Weston, Phil And Barbara Hayes, Roddy and Adrienne Sparks, Penbev, Edward Snell & Co. Ltd, South African Breweries, Burton’s Wine Shop, Jordan Wine Estate, Ataraxia Wines – Kevin Grant Wines (Pty) Ltd, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Bouchard Finlayson, Raka Wine Estate, De Trafford Wine Estate, Luddite Wines, Boutros Wines, Groote Post Wine Estate, Tokara Wine Estate, Friends of Solstice.