Socialite Edith Venter brings expertise to Bay

SOCIALITE and party planner Edith Venter jetted into Port Elizabeth yesterday where she announced – with Club 100 committee members – she would be bringing The Long Long Long Table to Nelson Mandela Bay.

The event, started in Johannesburg where 1200 people attended, aims to raise funds for the Starfish Foundation.

Venter said the foundation was an international development charity that brought hope and opportunity to children who had been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/Aids.

"I have been working with them since 2001 when they started in South Africa. Our biggest concentration this year is the Eastern Cape. I immediately thought of [PR and events practitioner and Club 100 committee member] Michelle Brown because I have known her for years and she suggested that we do it on their Christmas-in-June event, which is June 7.

"The aim is to have a very long table and people will have to book their seats," she said.

The Port Elizabeth event will differ slightly from the Johannesburg one where tables were set outdoors.

"We have decided to use the Boardwalk Hotel and I must say it is going to be absolutely fabulous. In Johannesburg, we invited different restaurants but we will not be doing that here in PE. Instead, we will use a catering company. There will be lots of entertainment and dancing. People can just expect loads of fun."

Venter said all proceeds would go to the foundation.

"This is one of the things that I love about my job. I guess it is the reason why I have been in this business for a long time. I love doing what I do," she said. "Many of the events that my company do helps to raise funds and I always get excited when I am handing out the cheque to those who deserve it."

For more information contact Michelle Brown at (041)581-6424. -