Founded in 2002 by Gaynor Rupert, the wife of Richemont chairman Johann Rupert, the Imibala Trust contributes to the upliftment of underprivileged children in the Helderberg Basin and Graaff-Reinet.
Preparations are in full swing for the inaugural Imibala Summer Gala to be held at Vergelegen Wine Estate in the Cape Winelands on February 8, 2023.
The charity fundraiser will benefit the Imibala Trust, a non-profit organisation that strives to make a measurable difference in the lives of underprivileged children.
Imibala’s flagship initiative is the Sponsor a Child programme where donors are paired with children in need and the sponsorship starts with provision of a full school uniform but extends to the ongoing development of the child.
“Neither the Gala nor the Trust’s work would be possible without strong partnerships in the community of donors, like-minded individuals, organisations, and volunteers. It is an integral part and provides a firm foundation for the effective implementation of our programmes,” says Gaynor Rupert.
“We are especially grateful to Anglo American. Without their generous support and the work of Imibala CEO Theo Willemse and Imibala marketing lead Reece Ackerman, this Gala would never have been possible.
“My great wish is for there to be an Imibala village in every small town where there is need, and I invite those with the means to support this event to celebrate the children and their efforts and make a positive contribution towards their development and future prospects.”
The fund-raising auction at the Imibala Trust Summer Gala features an extraordinary array of auction lots. The auction will be conducted by leading South African auctioneer Ariella Kuper, and also features a silent auction and will welcome phone-in bids.
Panerai renews its outreach programme with The Imibala Trust to provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged children. The Maison has, in years past, supported the NPO through the provision of materials and shared knowledge, and in 2023, the efforts continue with a series of initiatives that include the auctioning of The Imibala Trust Edition Luminor Calendario Perpetuo.
“At Panerai, we are strongly convinced that culture and education are essential to safeguard the future and a key driver to give back value to our communities. We are therefore proud to team up with Imibala by donating one of our most precious high-end complications, a Luminor Perpetual Calendar, whose revenue will help disadvantaged African children and young people in their right to quality education,” says Jean Marc Pontroué, CEO of the Italian watchmaking maison.
Other auction lots include a diamond and sapphire jewellery piece from Chopard, a Dylan Lewis sculpture, a three-night stay at Leopard Creek and a five-star Tswalu bush experience including dinner at Klein Jan. There are artwork by Richie Madyira, Mikhael Subotzky and Frank van Reenen, dinner for 10 prepared by 2022 chef of the year John Norris-Rogers, a rose gold Ballon Bleu timepiece from Cartier and a visit to London for the Chelsea Flower Show,
Visit www.imibala-auction.com to preview the auction lots.
