Stars line up for cancer fundraiser

THE line-up for this year’s Night of 100 Stars has been announced and the event looks set to raise the bar yet again for this project.

The dinner event will raise funds for cancer research and awareness projects run by the Cancer Association of SA’s (Cansa) Durban branch.

Night of 100 Stars will take place next month at Suncoast with the theme Fundraising Masquerade Ball.

The event will feature a host of South African stars including performances by Robert Whitehead (better known as Barker Haines in Isidingo); Lauren Dasappa (the only Indian soprano singer in the country); comedian Mark Banks; renowned pianist Christopher Duigan; radio personality and comedian Ben Vos; funnyman Aaron McIlroy and the Abbamaniacs crew, and many more.

Cansa Durban project facilitator Shauneeta Pargoolall said last year marked the third year of Night of 100 Stars, “and after three years the show was a sell-out, so this year we are hoping for the same. Our dream would be to have these tickets to the show sold out long before we even start to advertise.”

Show director Mark Hawkins and his team have again outdone themselves in gathering the acts to be seen on stage.

Pargoolall heaped praise on Hawkins, saying they discussed whom they would like to see but it was up to Hawkins to approach the stars to ascertain“who has the heart to perform”.

“The artists do perform for free, but what we are finding is that more and more artists are calling and asking to be part of the line-up, which is really encouraging.”

In a statement Whitehead said: “While I am known to many as Barker Haines from Isidingo, I will also be attending the charity event in my individual capacity to support a most worthy cause.

“As performers we are tasked with the ability to entertain people and if my presence on the occasion is going to bring smiles to people’s faces while generating funds for cancer research and awareness projects, then I am most privileged to make my contribution.”

Pargoolall said they were still looking for corporate sponsorships of items for their blind auction on the night – for example, items such as bottles of wine, hotel stays, spa sessions and the like.

• Night of 100 Stars takes place on August 20. Tickets are available from Computicket at R400 a person or R4 000 a table (which includes wine, a three-course meal and an evening of exceptional entertainment). Donations can also be made to Cansa Durban if you are unable to attend the event. For corporate bookings and sponsorships, call Pargoolall at 031 205 9525.

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