Dainfern resident and Mrs South Africa top 30 finalist Charné Bell hosted a sold-out fundraiser in aid of Cancer Association South Africa (Cansa) at the Indaba Hotel on October 3.
Bell said the scale of the support only became clear when she walked into the room on the night. “I didn’t quite understand the magnitude of the support until I stood in the room and looked around. What started as an idea turned into an evening that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I felt overwhelmed, grateful, proud and, honestly, a little emotional.”

For Bell, the fundraiser also carried a personal significance because of her father. “My father passed away in Iraq when I was 10 and he loved supporting Cansa, so for me, this made me feel very close to him and I know that he would be very proud that I am continuing his legacy. It was a full circle moment for me.”

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Bell said approaching businesses for support was also a positive experience, with sponsors willing to support the cause after hearing what she was raising money for. “The businesses I approached didn’t need a high-end pitch. When they heard I was raising money for Cansa they were all in – no questions asked.”

Bateleur Litigation Services, Werksmans Attorneys, Cannon Asset Management and Night Guard Security purchased corporate tables for the event. Night Guard Security also provided two security guards for the evening, while Flight Centre Dainfern, Execuspecs Waterfall and the Indaba Hotel sponsored a raffle prize valued at more than R20 000.

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Bell said the event was sold out and that one of the moments she was most proud of came as she stood at the podium to welcome guests. “When I stood at the podium to do the welcoming, I had a moment where I looked at the room and the excitement of everyone who joined in support of Cansa lit up my eyes. The room was filled with such a diverse group – there were 65 people, but we were all united as one.” A Cansa representative also attended the evening and spoke to guests about breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection.

Bell said she hoped the event encouraged more businesses and individuals to get involved in community initiatives. “I would love for more corporates to get involved in community initiatives such as this. I would love for people to realise that they too can make an impact, whether it is big or small. There is always something you can do to lighten a burden.”

She said organisations such as Cansa continue to need funding to support and empower people affected by cancer, particularly children. “I would love nothing more than to do it again.”

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