Emil Erasmus is a talented young flautist.
He is only 16 years old and was a member of the KZN Youth Orchestra until he
was recently diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
With the current crisis the KZN public health
sectors are experiencing with long waiting lists and the collapse of the
oncology services in KZN, the family were forced to pursue treatment in the
private sector. Having exhausted all their financial resources they have had no
choice but to relocate to Cape Town for Emil’s treatment.
Cathy Peacock Cathy Peacock, tutor and
concert co-ordinator for the KZN Youth Orchestra and Adelene Coleman suggested
to the parents of the KZN Youth Orchestra to each undertake a small fundraising
event to help the Erasmus family with funds. When Bridget Young from the Ladybird Foundation
came to hear of the family's plight, she offered to organise a special
fundraising event on behalf of the KZN Youth Orchestra.
The Emil
Erasmus Benefit will take place at Butlers Restaurant in Hillcrest which has
generously donated the venue on August 11.
Young said that the evening would be “something different” whereby the KZN
Youth Orchestra will be performing 13 pieces of music, with Grant Bell from the
Gee Jays fame singing seven songs with the orchestra, as well as 6 pieces which
have been selected for wine pairing to happen during the concert. The evening’s
wine pairing will be presented by Cape Winelands vintrepreneur, Bryce
Gillespie. All the wines to be tasted on the evening are being donated by
various wine farms.
“100% of the cost of the tickets will be
going to support Emil’s treatment,” said Young. “This has been such a great
benefit to work with as I have seen so many people step forward and offer their
services and support for this young man. There are only 40 tickets available
for the evening at a cost of R500 per person.”
The concert takes place at 17h00 on August
11, 2017. For more information contact Bridget on 082 444 9224 or Trish on 082
453 7913.