The Sunflower Fund

Spent a most enjoyable time at the Sunflower Fund fundraising event at Hotel Verde at Cape Town International Airport today. The Sunflower Fund is an organisation that manages a databank of bone marrow donors (a match is found at a ratio of 1:100 000 - so you can imagine how many donors are required) and the funds are used to pay for the sampling of potential donors so that no expense is involved for them. Bone marrow donors no longer go through the long and painful process of the early days and it now involves blood donation only. Anyone who wishes to become a donor and fits the criteria should contact The Sunflower Fund at 0800 12 10 82 and they will establish whether you are suitable. There are obviously very strict criteria to ensure that you do not have anything bad to pass on!

The Hotel Verde, as its name suggests, is the only fully 'green' hotel in Africa, and is totally self-sufficient in electricity generation and all the other requirements for 'greenness'. I only saw the public places and was very impressed by the tasteful decor and abundant greenery. An excellent coffee was served by an obliging barista at the bar who, on being asked by my companion whether the machine offered decaff, said no, but he would make a plan, and within a short time we were both sipping on our choice of beverage. I am told that this is a characteristic of the staff at this hotel - going the extra mile - something often sadly lacking in the hospitality trade in Cape Town.

Entertainment was fun, informative and participative, with the inimitable Jenny Morris aka the Giggling Gourmet arriving on the pillion of a Harley-Davidson to footstomping music, a run-down on how to look your best even when popping out for milk and a loaf of bread, tips on easy and delicious cooking (I was the lucky recipient of the sample!) while being served champagne, wine and lunch. A well-known drag duo did MC duties, a great song-and-dance routine and an auction which generously boosted the coffers. Jenny had the audience taking notes on how to take revenge on a rival for a partner's affections amid much hilarity.

I would estimate that a considerable number of new donors will be found through the dedicated efforts of the ladies who form the backbone of this worthy organisation.