Gatsby evening was a ‘Roaring’ success

F SCOTT Fitzgerald’s love story ‘The Great Gatsby’ was set in the roaring twenties when decadence ruled.

It tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a poor army officer, who falls for Daisy. While he is away fighting in the war overseas Daisy marries a rich man. Jay returns and focuses on becoming a multi-millionaire, he throws lavish parties to entice Daisy back into his life.

This tactic was deployed by the Lower South Coast branch of the SPCA last Saturday. The society hosted a fabulous gala event at the Mondazur Hotel at the San Lameer Estate last Saturday.

However, the society’s motive was far more philanthropic – to raise much needed funding for a new R500 000 veterinary hospital at the animal shelter. And of course to offer guests a wonderful evening of dining, dancing and great entertainment provided by the Dixie Jazz Band, Troye Keuvelaar (the mentalist), the Elvira Venter Dance School and opera singer Armstrong Cele.

Fashion-wise the twenties have always been known as the most stylish decade of the 20th century. After the gloom and doom of WW I it was time to let down the hair down …. lift up hemlines, don hats, headbands and accessorise with fabulous feathers, pearls and glitter. That is exactly what South Coasters did. They embraced the theme and literally had a ball.

Michael Muller, SPCA manager, was delighted by this year’s event. He said the amazing venue, superb entertainment and generosity of the uber stylish guests all added up to a ‘great Gatsby’.

Pledges were also made during the evening and the society was overwhelmed to receive a R35 000 pledge from Neville Beekman and another R5 000 from the Hilts. There was also a jewellery auction which swelled the coffers even more.

More than R60 000 (together with the pledges) was raised.

To all who helped make the gala event such a massive success take a bow or should that be a bow wow.  For more photos, visit our gallery.