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A Grand Success: The 2011 Cape Table of Peace & Unity Raises more than R230 000

By Gourmet SA On April 15, 2011
Posted in Blog,celebrity chefs,Community

This year the 11th annual Table of Peace & Unity took place on 08 May the slopes of Table Mountain under a grand marquee large enough to seat 700 Capetonians, who came out on Mother’s Day to celebrate peace and unity for all South Africans – and to make a contribution towards a better life for South Africa’s children.

Over the years this event has managed to raise a staggering ~R9-million rand for children’s charities – the kinds of organizations that aim to make a difference when no one else is willing or able – and make the difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens, children who have suffered the worst forms of abuse imaginable and who need a safe haven, a little care and a lot of love.

The funds raised will be divided between:

  • Bobbi Bear
  • Copes Clinic SA
  • City’s Angels
  • Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
  • Tygerberg Children’s Hospital
  • Door of Hope

Year upon year the event receives incredible support from individuals, businesses and some of South Africa’s top talents – each wanting to contribute towards bettering of the lives of others. A part of the day’s programme included the auction of donated items to help raise additional funds. This year, Alison Thistlethwaite’s painting ‘Bursting Out’ was one of the featured items. ‘Bursting Out’ was one of 40 paintings recently displayed in a dazzling exhibition in the 14th Century nave of York Minister, one of the UK’s premier cathedrals.

Main features of the event were not only its setting on Table Mountain but also the fantastic three-course meal of celebration prepared by South Africa’s top chefs, using ingredients supplied by Checkers, and paired with the finest organic Lazanou wine:

Starter: Mosaic of free range chicken and wild mushroom, with spiced pear chutney, hazelnut and truffle dressing; Paired with Lazanou Organic 2009 Chardonnay / Chenin Blanc / Viognier; Designed by Peter Tempelhoff (Executive Chef for The Cellars-Hohenhort, part of the Collection by Liz McGrath) in collaboration with Gerald van der Walt (The Greenhouse) and Ryan Josten (The Conservatory)

Main course: Braised beef with cauliflower puree, warm lentil and bean salad, potato spinach dauphinoise; Paired with Lazanou Organic 2009 Syrah / Mourvedre; Designed by Roberto De-Carvalho (One&Only Hotel) and Morne Botha (Blues)

Dessert: Duo of lemon cheesecake and chocolate mousse with orange reduction and strawberry caviar; Designed by Head Chef Jerome Peters and Sous Chef Danielle Schamrel from the Cape Town Hotel School

This year’s event also featured a line up of some of the best entertainment in the country – from the Parlotones, DannyK and Alvin Collison (who created a unique-Cape Town vibe), and Vicky Sampson to Yolanda Yawa, the Amy Biehl Choir, K-FM’s Charmaine Noy and Larry Soffer – who each lifted their voices in the spirit of unity under the Downings Marquee. and created a feeling that each one of us present have the power to make a positive change in the lives of others.

Not just a collection of funds, it was a day where diversity was celebrated and cultural, religious and racial differences were forgotten in an effort towards global peace and unity. Loaves of bread lined the table and attendees took time to share in a breaking-of-bread ceremony, sharing with one another at the same table

If you would like to get involved, or more information on the charities that benefit from the event, or to make a monthly donation to them directly, please call 021 202 2280 or email Margie on accounts1@gourmetsa.com.