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Sports stars, businesspeople and professional golfers came together in numbers at the King’s Ballroom in Sun City for the Gary Player Invitational gala dinner and auction.
It was another unforgettable evening as the “Union of Golf and Giving” raised more than R 2.5 million for The Player Foundation’s beneficiaries, Wildlands and Wings & Wishes.
Wildlands is a leading environmental NPO that believes that working with and investing in disadvantaged communities is one of the most powerful ways to spur sustainable economic growth and development.
With the support of the Gary Player Invitational, Wildlands have enabled the livelihood support of thousands of underprivileged women in South Africa through their collection of waste and growing trees.
Wings & Wishes is dedicated to transporting critically and chronically ill children to the lifesaving specialist medical care that they need. Since inception Wings & Wishes have provided 14 665 transport opportunities for sick and underprivileged children, meaning it is now possible for one sick child to be assisted every day.
The charitable auction is the main fund-raiser for the Gary Player Invitational, with the top bid of the evening fetching R250 000 which will see the auction winner off to Japan to enjoy the ultimate front-row Rugby World Cup Experience in 2019.
Other items included a VIP package to the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player, FC Bayern Munich – Ultimate Fan Experience, The British Open and 2019 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational.
The Gary Player Wildlife collection by world renowned photographer, David Yarrow and a bespoke sculpture by artist Donald Greig.
“The generosity of our guests is remarkable. The commitment and kindness shown to the charitable efforts of this tournament and The Player Foundation’s goal of raising $100 million (1.4 billion) is simply fantastic,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.
The evening was made extra memorable with a performance by former Westlife member, Brian McFadden, who made a special stop during his solo tour in South Africa.
The Gary Player Invitational is the final on the annual series of global tournaments played in Abu Dhabi, London, New York and Shanghai all with the purpose of raising funds to bring hope, help and healing in those cities and countries.
(For more information on the Gary Player Invitational, visit garyplayerinvitational.com and follow @GPInvitational on Twitter and Instagram – #GOLFandGIVING)
