A whopping R890 000 was raised at the tenth annual Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund fundraising banquet dinner, “The Bell’s Night of the Stars”, which was staged at the Theatre on the Track, Kyalami, on Wednesday evening.
The fund pays homage to two young players who died playing the game they loved.
In 1980, Western Province fullback Chris Burger broke his neck and died in a Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein. This led to the founding of the Chris Burger Fund by then-Western Province captain Morné du Plessis and his teammates. Petro Jackson, a young player from Kylemore in Stellenbosch died during a match in 1989, prompting SARU to establish a similar fund in his honour.
In 1992, the two Funds were united to form the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund, as it is known today.
The Fund assists on an ongoing basis over 90 disabled rugby players and manages numerous projects aimed at preventing catastrophic injuries, educating coaches, players, referees, and training rugby medics at schools and club level. It also runs the rugby SpineLine toll free number in partnership with Netcare 911.
The Spineline number – 0860 567 567 – provides a rapid response emergency hospital transfer service for suspected spinal cord injuries resulting from rugby.
A major portion of funds raised came via the annual telethon during which the Springbok squad took pledges from the public. Lasting two hours, the telethon was broadcast live on television channel SuperSport One from a room adjacent to the banquet dinner.
Besides pledges, the auction of rugby memorabilia and other valuable donations at the event raised R170 0000 and a further R13 6000 via raffle tickets.
The glamorous and up-market banquet dinner, held in the presence of the Springbok Squad, was attended by legendary figures from sport, entertainment and business.
Among the guests were a host of ex-Springboks, including Chester Williams, Joost van der Westhuizen, Wynand Claassen, Hennie Le Roux, Syd Nomis, Richard Prentis, Ray Mordt, Kevin de Klerk, Thys Burger, Piet Greyling, Owen Nkumane, Ian McDonald, Gerrie Germishuys, Christiaan Scholtz, Hugh Bladen and Krynauw Otto.
Joel Stransky, who struck the World Cup winning drop goal in 1995, acted as master of ceremonies and kept the audience of approximately 400 guests well entertained. Among the line-up of entertainers were diva, Jennifer Jones, with her performances of “Shadowlands” and “Proud”, as well as the talents of South Africa’s disabled dancesport champion wheelchair dancers, who performed a tempo medley of Mango Groove songs on stage.
Morné Du Plessis, the Chairman of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund and the evening’s guest speaker said: “We’re extremely thankful and thrilled with the results we have achieved. Each year more and more people are embracing and supporting this initiative and, thanks to all, we have raised incredible amounts for the rugby injury cause.”
The R890 000 raised was an increase of R170 000 over 2006. It brought the total amount of money raised since the inception of the banquet to R4 037 317.
SouthAfrica.info
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