The FACET Foundation raises R1.4 million at a special fundraising art auction at Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa

On Thursday, 24 November 2011, the Delaire Graff Estate hosted a charity art auction featuring the donated works of 15 leading South African artists to benefit FACET (For Africa’s Children Every Time), the charity set up by Laurence Graff in 2008.  The evening was in support of FACET’s latest partnership with the Pebbles Project, a South African-based charity created to provide support to the vulnerable children of the Winelands.  The funds raised on the night well exceeded expectations, with a grand total of R1.4 million being raised for a very good cause.

FACET aims to provide a crucial resource for the Pebbles Project through the development of a Graff Leadership Centre that will be built in the Stellenbosch Winelands.  The Centre will support Pebbles in their mission to better the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds with special educational needs, through providing support and training to local children and establishing after-school provision for older children living in the Winelands.  It is reported that a staggering 12% of children in the area suffer from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

The evening included a drinks reception, followed by a dinner featuring the work of culinary genius Chef Christaan Campbell paired with Delaire’s award-winning wines, with entertainment provided throughout the night by one of South Africa’s most celebrated female groups, 3 Tons of Fun.  Former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss officiated as Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s guests who included South Africa’s top philanthropists and art collectors. 

The auction was presided over by renowned auctioneer Stephan Welz of Strauss & Co, and featured the work of the following artists: William Kentridge, Anton Smit, Deborah Bell, Cameron Platter, Dylan Lewis, Matthew Hindley, Colbert Mashile, Mikhael Subotzky, Lionel Smit, Gerhard Deetlefs, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi, Barend de Wet, Anton Karstel, Sue Pam-Grant, and Johann Louw.  Lionel Smit’s work Girl Submerged achieved the highest result of the evening of R190,000, a record for the artist in South Africa, followed closely by Deborah Bell and Dylan Lewis.

The evening also featured additional lots courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate, including two cases of Delaire’s Reserve wine range, two exceptional vintages created by the Estate’s award-winning winemaker Morné Vrey.  The Reserve range includes the Delaire Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2008 and the Delaire Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2009.  The Delaire Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine reflecting the true expression of the Estate’s terroir, has gained the well deserved rating of 5 stars in the “2011 Platter’s Wine Guide”.  An indulgent weekend for two at Delaire was also auctioned, as was a shopping experience at the 100% Capri boutique located on the Delaire Graff Estate.  The final lot of the night was a beautiful diamond butterfly necklace courtesy of Graff Diamonds, featuring 49 stunning diamonds.  A special prize draw featuring a variety of exclusive prizes was also held on the night.

To continue the fundraising activity, a special Tree of Hope from the evening will stay on display in the reception of Delaire Graff Estate.  Envelopes are tied to the tree with coloured ribbon, each colour representing a donation level such as helping a child improve their literacy skills, and are available for purchase from Reception at Delaire Graff Estate.  In addition, a voluntary donation of R10 will be added to every Delaire Graff Restaurant bill, and R5 of every bottle of Delaire Chenin Blanc 2010 sold from the Delaire Graff Estate will be donated to FACET.

The evening was a memorable showcase of incredible talent and treasures that South Africa has to offer, and raised a significant amount of funds for a very worthwhile cause.

FACET is very grateful to all the artists and galleries who have donated work, including iART Gallery (now Brundyn + Gonsalves), SMAC Art Gallery and the Goodman Gallery.