Charity organisation hosts a reunion dinner in Germiston

A reunion dinner at the Rosewood Coffee Shop in Germiston marked the touching farewell of Louise Wood, founder of the charity organisation, A Girls and Guys Dream Come True.

Held on May 18, the evening brought together 14 matriculates who had been supported by the charity over the years.

Teachers, sponsors, friends, and family all gathered to celebrate the achievements of these young adults and share in Louise’s emotional farewell.

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Guests were given a glimpse into the lives of these young people and treated to a visit to the African Elephant Guesthouse where the head chef prepared a special treat.

While Louise announced the closure of A Girls and Guys Dream Come True, the night held promise for the future.

Natasha Ralph, introduced by Louise’s best friend Hailey Porter, will carry the legacy forward with her new organisation, Reach for your Dreams.

The event buzzed with generosity. Amore Badenhorst from Scarlett Red Boutique donated a beautiful dress that was raffled off, and Chantal, Louise’s daughter, became the lucky winner.

Following her mother’s spirit of giving, Chantel donated the dress to Monica at Bon Bon’s in Alberton.
She helps underprivileged individuals attend their matric dances.

Further joy and kindness were spread when Pearl Perman from Corpele Consulting offered consulting services to those in attendance.

Hendrik du Toit from Greenline Entrepreneurial Center offered mentorship and guidance to the women so that they could open soup kitchens in their communities.

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Victoria Hugo will head the administration of these kitchens, with her mother providing the culinary expertise through Vicky’s Soup Kitchen.

Demi, another young woman Louise helped, will focus on food parcels rather than a soup kitchen.

Chantel, leveraging her experience at Red Pepper Productions, will embark on her production house venture.

Finally, Rex Maseko from Katlehong, took on the responsibility of feeding 30 children daily.

Although the evening was about future plans it also celebrated the past.

Educators like Renee Goosen, Carina Cruz, Mhairi Youlton, Lisa Grobler, and Linda shared laughter and tears, reminiscing about their involvement with A Girls and Guys Dream Come True.

Extending her appreciation to the organisation, Shoneez lzaks, an officer in the South African National Defence Force, thanked Louise and Michael Basuidenoud for their tireless work.

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“They worked tirelessly day and night to ensure that my dream in 2013 came true.

“Thank you very much for the wisdom, hope, strength, love and encouragement you placed in my life when I had given up on any goals, aspirations or ambitions after having learnt that I am a teenage mom.”

Shoneez said their words of motivation have kept her driven over the years not only as a young girl but as a woman and as a commander of forces in the SANDF.

“I have joined a non profitable organisation called New Life Centre in hon

our of the work that A Girls and Guys Dream Come True has done and in honour of my two guardian angels.
“This organisation has produced officers in the SANDF and it has helped teenage mothers like myself to not give up in life but to strive for the utmost best,” said Shoneez

Shoneez thanked the duo for their support, guidance and care when she needed it most.

Thanks were extended to all sponsors for all the work that they did in making everything possible.

Special thanks were given to Shawn Stevens, the MC, and his wife Michelle who ensured the smooth running of the event.

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The Rosewood Coffee Shop chefs were acknowledged for their outstanding service, and Waldi Smit from Moringa Wellness was recognised for his generous gifts and sponsorships.

Gizelle Kading, Louise’s granddaughter, spoiled every matriculant at the event with a special handcrafted gift.

Although A Girls and Guys Dream Come True may be closing the spirit of giving and the dreams of those it touched will continue