South Africa’s most famous retired Springbok Centre and International Hall of Fame member, Danie Gerber is one of several ‘old school’ national rugby greats who will be playing in TEARS Animal Rescue’s upcoming “Putts For Rescue Mutts” Golf Tournament at the prestigious Westlake Golf Course on Thursday 30 September to raise much-needed funds and awareness for vulnerable pets.
Gerber (63), who is flying in from Port Elizabeth for the occasion is excited about lending his support for a cause that is close to his heart. Says Gerber, “ When TEARS invited me to be part of their 4Ball Fundraising Tournament it was an easy ‘yes’. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals and am thrilled to be able to combine my love of golf with a good cause like this one. I’m looking forward to a great day at Westlake Golf Course meeting up with old friends and making new ones. If you haven’t already bought your 4Ball, don’t miss out!.”
Ex Springboks Nico Wegner (Lock) and Chris Rossouw (Hooker), together with Dick Muir (Centre) from Kwa-Zulu Natal and John Allan (Hooker) from Gauteng are also lending their support to the event, which includes a limited rugby memorabilia Auction after the dinner and before the Prize Giving. There are several special autographed items up for grabs – including a signed SA Rugby Legends rugby ball that was donated for the cause by the South African Rugby Legends Association after hosting the annual SA Rugby Legends vs Drakensberg Rugby Club match in Winterton last month.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the support pf vulnerable pets, which will enable TEARS to increase its rescue and treatment impact, which currently totals approximately 1050 animals every month.
Says TEARS Fundraising Manager, Lara Van Rensburg, “The amazing support we’ve received from Danie Gerber and so many of our country’s retired rugby heroes, together with the positive take up of 4 Ball tickets and Hole sponsorships promises to make this a day to remember. Historically TEARS has relied heavily on fundraising events as a significant revenue generator for the Charity, but since the start of the COVID19 Lockdown last year, we’ve been forced to cancel 99% of our events. We’re thrilled that the current Level 2 Lockdown restrictions allow us to host this important flagship fundraiser for TEARS.”
In addition to a field of 100 players (25 x 4-Balls) there are 18 Hole Sponsorships available too, which so far includes SA Rugby Magazine, Vasco da Gama Taverna, Dot Sure, Hills Pet Nutrition, Haval, General Motors, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Peugeot, Citroen, STBB, Tyre Mart, and Deus Cafe amongst others. Flagstone Wines is generously sponsoring wine for the evening’s dinner.
It’s not too late to book a 4 Ball for R3 500 and/or sponsor a Hole for R3 000.For more information or to book please email lara@tears.org.za or visit https://tears.org.za/events/tears-putts-for-mutts-4-ball-charity-golf-day/
