AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction raises over R7 million for education

The inaugural 2014 AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction which took place on March 15 in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, surpasses all expectations.

The annual charity event AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction not only set a philanthropic precedent in South Africa wine industry but also witnessed the remarkable realisation of a bold dream when an astounding R7.045 million was raised for disadvantaged children in the Cape winelands.

Sharing Nelson Mandela’s belief “Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world,"he AfrAsia Bank Cape Wine Auction is about the spirit of the community – vintners, bidders and volunteers – all gathered to make a difference in the lives of so many South African children for years and even lifetimes. “Our CSI mission is simple. We understand that education is the cornerstone on which the future of this country will be built on. We were looking for a partnership whereby both sides are committed to playing a role in changing education for the better and to make a real difference for South Africans. We’ve learnt that organizations cannot afford to have a singular view of profitability. We need to strike a balance between business and social responsibility. And it was through this belief that the partnership between AfrAsia Bank and the Cape Wine Auction was born.” James Benoit, Chief Executive Officer of AfrAsia Bank said.

In a grand marquee on the majestic Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, 250 prominent local and international wine aficionados as well as online bidders were invited to make a serious difference when 40 once-in-a-lifetime auction lots came under the enthusiastic hammer of auctioneers Iain Banner and Paul Myson.

Rare wine collections

The astonishing line-up of lots included rare wine collections as well as exclusive hand-selected local and international wine, gourmet and travel experiences. Highlights of the day included an art cameo by talented artist John Adams whose live 8-minute surprise portrait of Nelson Mandela fetched a staggering R460 000 on the Auction. Other lots fetching phenomenally high prices were: The Mulderbosch & Fable Mountain Vineyards American Dream Lot: R700 000; The Glenelly Estate Lot: R450 000 and The DeMorgenzon & Royal Portfolio Lot: R400 000...

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