On 7 March 2020, guests from all over, arrived in style on the Grande Provence red carpet, showcasing their glamourous sequins, satins and silks in support of the Grand Met – the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy’s annual benefit in proud association with Franschhoek Life and Grande Provence.
The evening started with a dry-ice smoke demonstration along the red carpet, leading guests to the magically lit garden to enjoy oysters, bubbly and canapés to the tranquil sounds of Acoustic Element along with beautiful aerial silk poising and stilt walkers from The Silk Workshop.
Grande Provence Chef, Marvin Robins, treated guests to a delicious six-course dining experience, which was served between exciting performances from Fire Tribe fire dancers who stole the show by adding jaw-dropping theatrics to what was already an exciting event.
Brett Garner, the evening’s fantastic auctioneer, took over proceedings and with the support of bidders, raised R240 000 for the Academy. Sensational auction items included: a stay at Villa Mushara in Namibia bid on by Johan Kullanch, an exquisite Collaborative Mandela Portrait “The Lion in Africa” by Cape Town Artists Gerhard Van der Westhuizen & Mambakwedza Mutasa of the Soul Gallery in Hout Bay which brought in R70 000 from generous bidders Anton and Victoria Hayward, Private Chefs dinners from Ambassador Chris Erasmus and Neill Anthony bid on by Alex McCormack and Mandy Stratford, an all-inclusive stay at Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve and a stay at Mont Rochelle and a seven-course Dinner for six at Jan Hendriks’s new innovation studio in Kloof St, bid on by Migo Manz.
The formalities concluded with a theatrical dessert demonstration by Marvin and his team while guests continued the festivities by dancing the rest of the night away with the Academy’s Class of 2020 students and the Acoustic Element duo, Jody and Callen.
The Academy would like to thank the Grande Provence Team, Franschhoek Life, sponsors and guests for their support in making this event such a success and highlight on the calendar for many years to come. All funds raised will assist the Academy to continue their project to upskill and train the historically disadvantaged youth in the valley and around South Africa.
www.fhalc.co.za
Text: Editorial Desk | Image: Supplied
