IN PHOTOS: Community rallies behind TPO8000 at gala evening in White River
The gala raised more than R40 000 in monthly pledges and additional donations, providing a significant boost to TPO8000's efforts to maintain and improve White River.
In an effort to raise funds to keep the town clean and well maintained, The Power of 8000 (TPO8000) hosted a gala dinner at Whispering Thorns on Saturday.
White River’s business community, community leaders and residents attended in support of the organisation, pledging significant funding to help sustain its work in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the town.
TPO8000’s chairman, Rhodes Abell, shared the organisation’s journey from a small volunteer initiative to one of White River’s most influential community organisations.
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His presentation highlighted the impact TPO8000 has had through ongoing waste management programmes, rehabilitation and maintenance of parks and public spaces, beautification projects and environmental initiatives.
The organisation’s efforts are widely believed to have contributed to White River being recognised as a Daily Maverick: Small Town of the Year.
Abell said the organisation’s greatest challenge is sustainable funding to deliver the services residents have come to value.
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“The response from the community was simply overwhelming. The generosity shown at the gala demonstrated just how much White River’s residents value our work. Every pledge represents an investment in the future of our town,” he said.
Abell also expressed his appreciation to the organising committee for its vision and dedication, to Whispering Thorns for hosting the event and to the many businesses and individuals who made the evening possible.
“We received monthly pledges worth more than R40 000 which will go towards operational expenses and expanding the work we do in White River. Two companies, Da Loose Mongoose and Lowveld Mobile Crane Hire, also pledged to sponsor a worker each month from their respective payrolls. That support means a great deal to us. We also received several once-off donations,” he said.
Although attendance was limited by the venue’s capacity, Abell thanked community members who wished to attend but could not, and expressed gratitude for the continued encouragement and support.
“Individuals and businesses that were unable to attend but would like to support TPO8000 are encouraged to contact the organisation to discuss monthly pledges or other forms of assistance,” Abell concluded.
