Town goes 'wild' as it raises funds
[caption id="attachment_37971" align="alignright" width="500"] EXPLORE AND DISCOVER: The 'Wild Karoo' choir keeps the audience captivated during their performance[/caption]
"WHEN a small-town community decides to do something, they do not do it by halves."
These are the words of Bronwen Langmead, member of the Union Preparatory School governing body, after the school "went wild" at the weekend with a major fundraising initiative.
The event, with the theme "Explore and Discover the Wild Karoo", raised a whopping R17 000.
It culminated in a glittering event in the school hall.
Funds will go towards maintaining and improving the school premises and make up for paying teachers from school coffers.
Union Preparatory School is situated at the Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet.
Staff. pupils and parents marvelled at the community rallying to raise funds by donating venison, painting artworks, taking photographs and organising hunts and getaways.
"Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that our 'Wild Karoo' fundraiser would be such a resounding success," Langmead said.
"It can be credited to the sense of community that we have in the Karoo and the generous nature of all those who are so passionate about [the] Union schools.
"It was an amazing collaboration of skillsets from parents and staff that came together in complete harmony to create an evening to be remembered."
Artworks decorated the walls of the hall and transformed it into a chic safari lodge, complete with appropriate fittings.
Snacks were served to guests admiring art displays and listening to choirs of the preparatory and high schools performing Africa-themed songs.
The auction was the main event.
It was arranged by Duncan McClaggan, who auctioned off various articles to residents, who bid with enthusiasm.
These included wingshoots, leather armchairs, artworks, cases of wine, weekend getaways. and other donations.
"The community's support is a testament to the benefits of small-town schooling within a community that is passionate about investing in the education of their children," Langmead said. - Chanice Koopman
