PE woman organising 3-day family event to raise funds for ill children

A young Port Elizabeth bookkeeper, Tasha van Zanten, has stepped out in faith to organise a 3-day family fun event and music concert in Victoria Park from May 2 to May 4 to raise funds for Operation Madiba Smile, an NPO that cares for children with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses.

“I do have an undeniable passion for children but this is absolutely my faith project. God laid this on my heart in 2012 and in between procrastinating and a failed attempt I was shown this has to be done now. So I’m doing what I simply have to do,” she said.

All proceeds of the event, which includes live music in the park featuring about 20 artists (Gospel, Christian rock, blues and golden oldies),food stalls, a potjiekos competition, a beer tent, game stalls, a paint ball booth, a mechanical bull and a train, will go to Operation Madiba Smile which needs funds to renovate and build-on to its Northwood Children’s Hospice facility.

Admitting that her step of faith has taken her totally out of her depth, Van Zanten urged people to support the event for the sake of the seriously ill children “who ask so little but need so much” and their families who will benefit. Opportunities to support this ambitious event include entering the potjekos competition (R50 per pot), putting up a stall (R300 per stall or R400 per food stall for the entire weekend), jumping castle or face painting booth. She said she has lots of space for stalls and urged stallholders to take advantage of the 3-day open-air event. Van Zanten can be contacted at 076 664 4895 or tashavz@telkomsa.net for any bookings or inquiries. More information is available on the Facebook event page.

She said a few sponsors have come forward to help with recording the event on video, providing portable loos, bins, toilet paper and black bags. She said she still needs sponsors to cover the costs of the field, the sound and insurance.

People are welcome to bring blankets and spend the day at the event said Van Zanten. They should not bring food, however, as food and drink will be sold at stalls.

Confirmed performers for the event are: Revelation, Life Lyne Band, Chosen Generation, The Beautiful Whole, Karina Pattison, Bertha Haasbroek, Dongee, Faydtblu, Geoff Taylor, Twakkie, Liana van Vuuren, Tanya Erasmus, Alithia Mandy Bester, Yolanda Swart, Trevor Terblanche, Caterine du Preez, Sharon Voster, Harvest Church Band, Ron Reynolds, Elize Stoltz, Qube & B’lew, Megan Grossouw, Nelson and Leander Waite.