It is that time of year again. It is time to don your fancy garments, dust off those dancing shoes and get into character for the fifth annual Gourmets & Gourmands supported by Hartman’s culinary extravaganza on behalf of the Carpe Diem School in George. 19 restaurants and 19 wine farms will once again combine their expertise and experience to create food and wine pairings to delight every guest’s palate. And with a theme as delectable as the incomparable, suave and sophisticated Mr Bond, James Bond in one of his most formidable screen appearances, guests are in for a culinary and entertainment treat fit for someone On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
This school for special needs learners goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to the children, and when it comes to fundraising they have the enthusiasm and passion to pull off any event under the sun with flair and vigour.
Because the school only receives a minimal subsidy per learner from the government, it necessitates the need for the school to lean heavily on donations and fundraising events such as Gourmets & Gourmands supported by Hartman’s run by and on behalf of the school. Through the years it has raised thousands of Rands towards improving the quality of education and facilities at the school.
The Western Cape Educational Department grants subsidies to school children irrespective of their specific needs. The learners at Carpe Diem School need a lot more funding to ensure that they get the education and the educational tools they require in order to be afforded the best opportunities in life.
Those learners who are physically handicapped need extra care from specialised staff members as well as special transportation and drivers to oversee their care, not to mention the medical care and support necessary. Unfortunately this also constitutes further monetary layout.
Karools Hauptfleish, headmaster at the school says, “We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be able to reach their full potential, and we will go to any length to see that their needs are met. Carpe Diem is a unique school in this respect because of the multitude of different disabilities we cater for here. But we do not let all these obstacles get us down. We have too much to be thankful for and we have an extremely dedicated staff and parent contingent who drive initiatives like Gourmets & Gourmands supported by Hartmans to the great success it has become as fundraising event. It has grown from strength to strength in the past 5 years and we have been able to do so many amazing things with the funds raised. And the children have benefited all the way.”
It is heartening to know that when what the world can give is not enough, there are always those earth angels who will go the extra mile to ensure happiness on the faces of some super special kids. Here’s hoping that Mr Bond brings some of his angels with him to raise a record amount of money at this year’s event taking place on 24 August 2013 at Carpe Diem School.
For more information about Gourmets & Gourmands made possible by Hartmans, Carpe Diem or about how to get involved, feel free to contact Karools Hauptfleisch, on 044 874 4074 the school or email carpekarools@telkomsa.net.
