‘Chefs who Share – The ART of Giving’ 2016 has once again raised over R2 million in aid of Youth Development. Held this year for the first time in Johannesburg, the full week of events exceeded the expectations of Barbara Lenhard and Florian Gast. The founders of ‘Chefs who Share’ and also trustees of the ‘Chefs who Share’ Trust.
Great support from our partners
According to Lenhard, she is happy with the outcome and quality of this year’s various events. Furthermore, they have been supported by premium partners Deutsche Bank and Swiss International Air Lines. Other supporting partners include Bulgari, Frey Chocolate, and the Century City Conference Centre. And, hospitality partner Sun International and product partners KWV, Hausbrandt Coffee and San Pellegrino/Acqua Panna.
This was the fourth delivery of South Africa’s biggest series of collaborative art and culinary events. From the Art Preview Evening on Monday, to Pre-Dinners held at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in partnership with Dom Pérignon. Also, at The Maslow in conjunction with Moët et Chandon, and at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in collaboration with Ruinart. And, concluding with the Grand Gala and live auction on 24 September.
We received generous donations from participants, sponsors and guests for this uniquely styled, ‘feel-good’ event. This was in the form of time, talent, funds, experiences and outstanding art. In addition, this enabled us to raise the millions which it has already donated to various local youth-focused charities. The event itself is a culinary achievement. It draws on the time and unique culinary talents of 14 top local and international chefs. These are flown in to collaborate with seven acclaimed sommeliers. They create seven different expertly-paired, gourmet menus for 252 guests on the Gala evening. Here we auction works by high-calibre artists, collectable items and unique experiences.
Grand Gala auction highlights
During this black-tie event and live auction, works donated by local and international artists were undoubtedly the highlights. With enthusiastic bidders eager to secure works by some of South Africa’s most famous creators.
A work donated by Jimmy Law, titled Rescue Me, with an estimated value of R45 000, unleashed highly competitive bids among attendees. The Auctioneer, Gift Ngwenya, announced the closing bid at an incredible R245 000! Another painting, donated by artist Eugenia Chapman Campbell, with an estimated value of R28 000, was also an auction highlight. The successful bidder offering an unchallenged R110 000. Also, we had torso sculpture of the late Nelson Mandela by Jean Doyle and a sculpture titled ‘Oblivian of the Waves’ by Anton Smit. We also had a giclee print on archival paper, titled ‘Malay Girl Triptych’ by Lionel Smit. And, a magnificent bronze statue by Adriaan Diedericks, titled ‘Exhale’ all exceeded their indicated value prices by far.
‘Chefs who Share – Young Chef Award’ 2016
Another highlight from the Grand Gala was the announcement of the second ever recipient of the ‘Chefs who Share – Young Chef Award’. This year we announced two young chefs as joint winners. Anand Bhana, Junior Sous Chef at Hartford House, and Lee-andra Govender, Junior Sous Pastry Chef at Roots at Forum Homini.
According to Lenhard, these two young talents won over the esteemed judges for their “skills, team spirit, and personality to represent our country and ‘Chefs who Share’ locally and globally”. Both will receive substantial local recognition. Furthermore, they will be flown to Europe by sponsor Swiss International Air Lines. There they’ll to work in a Michelin-star restaurant. And, they’ll visit the headquarters of Moët & Chandon in Épernay, France, to experience the culinary and oenological highlights of Champagne.
The final say in the judging belonged to Reto Mathis, Swiss celebrity chef, Swiss International Air Lines Ambassador and international patron of the ‘Chefs who Share – Young Chef Award’. Together with South African Young Chef Award Ambassador and TV chef Lentswe Bhengu. Both were element in awarding both young chefs equally.
Pre-event dinners and Veggie Box initiative
Following the The Grand Gala on 24 September was the Art Preview on Monday evening. Thereafter, was a Pre-Dinner each held at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, at The Maslow, and at The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa. In illustration of the generosity of guests attending these events, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in association with Dom Pérignon presented a silent auction lot at the dinner here. They sold it for R25 000. The bidder re-donated it and it was auctioned at the Grand Gala, where it fetched another R30 000.
This followed another highlight from the week, which was was Friday’s “Veggie Box Cook Off.” This is a charity outreach initiative at Phelang Special School in Kwa-Tema. During this event, participating international and local chefs cooked for the 450 kids before serving lunch at the school.
“We are full of exhaustion, but also proud, humbled and grateful. The quality of events increase every year and the support is constantly growing. We look forward to taking the Initiative to even greater heights next year. We hope to unite philanthropists through their love for food and art and, ultimately, through their passion for sharing and for giving back to the community”, said Lenhard.
According to Lenhard once again, we will use the funds raised to uplift the youth of South Africa. This is through partnership charities such as MAD Leadership Foundation, The Click Foundation and the Veggie Box Initiative.
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