SUN CITY, North West (26 November 2016) – A stirring performance by the Magaliesberg Secondary School Choir, an inspiring poem by charity beneficiary David Lesley, and a stellar set by Irish singer Brian McFadden set the tone for a magical night in which the supporters of this year’s Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola raised more than R3 million for charity.
The official gala dinner and charitable auction at Sun City on Friday evening was another memorable experience of Golf and Giving as it made a significant contribution to the two main charities of the tournament – Wings and Wishes and the Wildlands.
The charitable auction is the main fundraiser of the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola, and includes funds raised from the live auction at the dinner as well as personal pledges and bidding from a silent auction of several exclusive items.
The top bid of the evening went for the Gary Player African Wildlife Conservation Portfolio by David Yarrow in honour of the late Dr Ian Player’s lifetime dedication towards conservation, and which went for R350 000.
The conservation theme was carried through with a R100 000 bid for the Leopard in Motion sculpture by Donald Greig.
The Coca-Cola Wimbledon Men’s Final Experience was also a major contributor to the funds raised as it fetched R300 000.
The British Open and 2017 Berenberg Gary Player Invitational presented by Black Knight International was auctioned off for R275 000, matching the bid for the Formula 1 Monza VIP Package presented by SAP.
“We are extremely grateful for this phenomenal response and the generous way in which so many people contribute to the charity efforts of this tournament and The Player Foundation’s goal of raising $100 million for charity,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International.
For more information on the Gary Player Invitational, visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com and follow @GPInvitational on Twitter and Instagram – #GOLFandGIVING.
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