VIBE, a local youth group from Mitchells Plain, will perform music by renowned singers such as Whitney Houston and will be supported by Adina Nakana (17), a young vocalist from Fishhoek. Pianist Blake Hellaby, vocalist Leigh Venga and their jazz-fusion group, Under The Influence, will showcase beautiful jazzy sounds. Acclaimed singers Zarah, Ladybyrd, Lana & Victor, Spanish Guitarist, Terry Fortune, Wasief, Jeremy Quickfall, Liesl Katzen as well as Heavenly Quartez have volunteered to perform for this worthy cause.
Karen Michaels, neonatal nurse practitioner of the Newborns Trust says, "We are grateful to all who have shown support thus far because we cannot do this on our own." The Neonatal Unit cares for over 2400 premature babies, most of whom come from poor families, who cannot afford private care. "We rely on the donations and support from the broader community," she says.
"We have included young musicians and entertainers on our list of performers because as we celebrate Youth Day the next day, we would like to celebrate our youth and their talent in lieu of contributing and supporting to this worthy cause," she adds.
"The Neonatal Unit was set-up a few years ago to raise funds for the Newborns Unit. The Newborn Trust previously embarked on a highly successful campaign for the incubators, which was undertaken in partnership with Pick n Pay and Heart 104.9 and envisages a more successful outcome for the Newborns fundraising," says Michaels.
The Neonatal Unit is over 40 years old and is in dire need of funding to renovate and refurbish it. Approximately 500 babies in the Neonatal Unit are born with a weight of less than 1000g.
Michaels says that the rapid increase of premature babies being born has put the unit under tremendous pressure. The unit is often over its capacity, which exposes the babies to high risk of infections and death. "We are planning various exciting fundraising events over the next year or two, to raise awareness about the needs of premature babies, and raise funds for our refurbishment campaign."
To book or purchase tickets to the dinner, contact Amina Otto on +27 (0)76 291 5225 or email az.ca.tcu@otto.anima. Ticket prices range from R180 per person to R300 per couple.
