Rand Park debs raise R633 000

Rand Park High School’s debutantes of 2020 celebrated their fundraising successes at a spectacular gala evening hosted exclusively for them on 27 March.

Collectively the debutantes raised R633 000.

“This is an extraordinary achievement during a difficult fundraising year and we congratulate and thank our debs and their parents for their hard work and commitment to our school,” said school principal Alan Wilke.
The special event acknowledged the girls for their efforts and prizes were presented to the top 15 debutantes. Special recognition was given to the top three debutantes who raised the highest amounts of money during the fundraising period.

The top three debutantes were crowned by Gabriella Adolphe who was the top debutante for the previous debutantes’ fundraising year.
The top three fundraisers were Olivia Davies (R106 287), Kayla Dixon (R37 691) and Jodi Goodall (R26 265).

The 2020 Debutantes’ Programme included an important community outreach programme that benefited Santa Shoebox Project.
Each debutante had to identify alternative ways in which to raise money during a pandemic and not rely on the usual special events and fundraising activities which normally bring in a great deal of funding each year.

The programme also allows the girls to raise funds in small groups and recognition is given to the top group at the dinner. This year, the top group of Kayla, Jodi and Shiann Nock and Jessica Pick was recognised for raising R30 320.
“This year’s dinner was different from what has been held in the past as partners and parents were unable to attend as has been done traditionally. The Covid-19 lockdown restrictions on events allowed fewer attendees but this did not dampen the girls’ enthusiasm and the school proceeded with the debs’ only event to give recognition and thanks for their hard work during a pandemic year,” added Wilke.

The Debutantes and Squires’ fundraising programmes at the school are run annually and learners in Grade 10 and 11 are invited to participate.
“Not only do the learners raise important funds to improve the school’s facilities for future learners, but they also acquire valuable skills and learn many lessons in entrepreneurship, creativity, planning, communication, selling, budgeting and inter-personal relationship management.”