Giving Thanks

Header Image from Left: Jenny Barbour, Roy Edge and Liz Baard

Ginny Schoombie was the driving force behind the team responsible for ensuring the roaring success of the recent fundraising weekend for Anelda Jacobs – daughter of Kingswood Golf Estate CEO, Willem Jacobs.

When we caught up with her on Saturday 15 May, Ginny had hardly had a moment to celebrate having pulled off the previous day’s well-supported charity fun walk. She was too busy preparing for that afternoon’s prize handover, with final preparations for the next evening’s main function less than 24 hours away.

Not one to invite personal credit (however due it may be) for the smooth running of the threeday fundraiser, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped attain this goal.

‘I would like to thank and praise our ladies’ committee – Elizma Joubert, Jenny Barbour and Michelle Witts-Hewinson – for their unflagging enthusiasm and hard work in ensuring that this fundraiser was such a success.

‘It is a formidable team, and I know now that we can accomplish anything together. To Roy Edge, our money man, a big thank you. I think his accounting skills were definitely tested to the limits. We are also indebted to Charl Louw, our Men’s Captain, for his invaluable contribution.

‘To the people of Kingswood: you astounded me with your generosity and support. This fundraiser has shown me what a relatively small community can accomplish in such a short time, and my wish is for this spirit and camaraderie to continue to grow and flourish in Kingswood,’ says Ginny.

Roy describes the Anelda Jacobs fundraising weekend as ‘a resounding success’, saying that the amount raised far exceeded expectations and is due largely to the wonderful spirit of the Kingswood community and George locals as a whole.

‘The way in which the Kingswood people rallied in their support of the walk and the two golf days was quite humbling. The walk attracted nearly 300 adults, children and dogs, and also gave participants an opportunity to see the new Phase 4 development on the estate firsthand.’

Roy says that, among the many people who should be thanked, the Ladies’ Golf Committee and their assistants stood out for their fundraising activities, displaying enthusiasm and dedication beyond the norm.

‘Mention should also be made of the generosity of Mike and Liesel, who contributed a number of four-balls for us to sell, and their hard work in assisting in the arranging of the spit braai and making the kitchen and facilities available on the evening.’

Roy also thanks the ladies of Kingswood for making delicious salads, and all staff both on the course and in the kitchen and bar.

‘Last but not least, we are grateful to all the sponsors, donors and players, each of whom went the extra mile in assisting with the fundraising.

‘It was unfortunate that our numbers had to be restricted because of Covid regulations. If that were not the case, we could easily have doubled participation in the golf, and the dinner in particular.’

Roy concludes that the spirit of Kingswood is alive and well, ‘which is wonderful news for the future of this magnificent estate.’

In addition to driving community spirit and establishing new friendships, the Kingswood weekend event has successfully raised R198,000 for Anelda.

These were the winning bidders in Awesome Auction fo Anelda:

Lot 1: Ernie Els framed shirt – winner: Brian Cook for R3000
Lot 2: Magnum of Ernie Els ‘Big Easy’ Red Blend and an autographed Ernie Els Callaway cap – winner: W. Potgieter for R2500
Lot 3: Fever Tree – winner: Juergen Seidler for R5000
Lot 4: Rhebokskloof Double Magnum – winner: Dolores Burger for R2500
Lot 5: Ernie Els Major Series Double Magnum Shiraz – winner: Jonathan Witts-Hewinson for R4600
Lot 6: Signed 2015 Presidents Cup picture of Louis Oosthuizen and Brandon Grace – winner: Roy Edge for R5200
Lot 7: Signed ‘The Open’ 18th Hole Flag – winner: Brian Cook for R6000
Lot 8: Round at the Links for three with John Bland – winner: Johan Burger for R9000
Lot 9: Autographed cap by Dave Callaghan – winner: Roy Edge for R1000
Lot 10: Night for two at Fancourt Hotel with a round of golf – winner: Christa Cruywagen for R5000K