Thanks to the generosity of the Durbanville community approximately R120000 was raised at our first Gala Fundraising Dinner held on 8 April at the Protea Valley Church in Van Riebeeckshof. 
A splendid evening of good food, delicious wine and great conversation was enjoyed in an elegant setting beautifully decorated by a group of very creative and committed volunteers.
FCD director, Jane Gelderman, welcomed the 220 guests who had bought tickets in support of this initiative (jointly contributing a whopping R66000 to the fundraising effort). She also paid tribute to the sponsors for their generous donations which varied from the wine on the tables from
Durbanville
Hills, ingredients for the food from Foodlover’s Market & Boland Markagentskap, catering services from our Bake for Profit trainers Elaine du Toit and Anabele Beuke, floral arrangements and decor magicians and many many more.
The local church went out of their way to support the event and enjoyed a special evening of fellowship for a good cause.  It was great to host an event with so many representatives from local business and charities.
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FCD students had an opportunity to practice their customer service skills as they waited on tables and welcomed guests with bubbly on arrival.
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MC Rian Truter hosted the evening with aplomb, while auctioneer Rynard vd Westhuizen ensured that a princely amount of R60,000 was raised from the fun-filled heads and tails auction, the silent auction and the real macoy… bidding war.
Funds raised will contribute to the sustainability of our work ensuring the upliftment of the unemployed in our area.
Jane Gelderman showed much appreciation to the sponsors of the evening for making the event possible and largely contributing to its success, confirming that these events provide an additional platform for us to generate the additional income needed to sustain this project.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EQUIPPED by Fisantekraal Centre for Development over the past financial year was approximately 280, a growth of 30%. Our placement rate also improved from 45% to 65%.  We’d like to continue this positive trend. That’s why we launched the Be One in 200 campaign to get an additional 200 people, churches and/or companies to pledge R200 or more per month in order to cover the shortfall in our monthly budget.