Apricot Tree’s afternoon in Vegas has lady luck smiling

“We are tremendously grateful for each and every who made this a high rolling affair.”

19 hours ago

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Four white women smile holding balloons shaped as a champaign bottle and diamond ring — Vowing their eternal friendship are Liandie and Ilze du Plessis, Xenia van Rooyen and Kiara Swart. Photo: Jani de Beer

Band master, cue the brass and let the trumpets play for Apricot Tree Stimulation Centre has landed in the ‘Las Vegas Strip’.

The decks were loaded, and the sequence shimmered as 200 women filled the hall at Benoni High School to be part of this Northmead-based centre for differently abled children and young adults’ women’s fundraiser on September 5.

White woman with glasses wearing a feathered headrest — Calling all show girls! Hayley Morris is ready for a good time. Photo: Jani de Beer

However, what happens in Vegas most definitely did not stay in Vegas, as those in attendance danced and shimmied to tunes crooned by the city’s own Juan Jacq Oosthuizen.

“Having you all here to celebrate not only the essence of what makes us fantastically feminine but also our centre is a privilege and adds so much value to our 40 learners,” said Nicolette Peenz, PR and marketing coordinator at the centre.

Two white women laughing while holding biscuits and bath salts — Apricot Tree’s PR and marketing coordinator, Nicolette Peenz and principal Abby-Jade Reason drummed up sales by selling lovingly baked biscuits and bath salts made and packaged by some of the stimulation centre’s young adults. Photo: Jani de Beer

Channelling the king of rock n roll, Elvis Presley, Juan Jaq soon had the ladies forgetting the sorrows of Suspicious Minds, instead shaking a leg to the Jail House Rock.

Looking out from the stage at 20 elaborately decorated tables, the entertainer quipped that he created a set to speak to youthful memories of his audience, not realising that he will be entertaining hot-blooded queens of hearts.

White man with a beard holds a microphone while posing next to red and white balloons — Juan Jaq Oosthuizen brought classics sung by the ‘strip’s’ well-loved crooners to life. Photo: Jani de Beer

“Being part of an event which is not only electrifying but also where those in attendance respond to each tune with gusto, is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

“Further knowing that all proceeds will further benefit some of the most beautiful souls who form part of our community is like hitting the jackpot.”