Issued by: Table of Unity


The Tables take place on Cape Town's Table Mountain, in the Town Square of Polokwane, the Botanical Gardens in Durban, the Harbour in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria ‘s Union Buildings hosted a table on Sunday 13 April.

At 12 noon, three of Cape Town's foremost chefs will lay out their finest linen and conjure up a meal fit for a king on the slopes of Table Mountain. Top local chefs Peter Tempelhoff, Phil Alcock and Clinton Bonhomme will be preparing a three course menu, with Spekko Rice being used imaginatively in at least two of the courses, with all other ingredients sponsored by Pick n Pay. The luncheon will be accompanied by premium South African wines. Nationwide Airlines will be flying the entertainers who will be performing at this fabulous event.

Entertaining the Cape Town guests will be Jody Williams (pop idol 2007 winner and opening act for Celine Dion), Idols judge Marla Louw, The children of the Amy Biehl Foundation, Magician Larry Soffer and PJ Powers. KFM's Nic Maris and Shado Twala will host the event.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the guests of honour at the Cape Table of Peace and Unity said: “I am so pleased to see the growth in stature of the Table of Peace and Unity and that this significant nation building event has been extended to other centres around the country. I look forward to being part of the Cape Town table and hope that the diverse communities in our country will participate and host their own home and community tables to promote peace and unity in their own environments. It is difficult to be enemies when we are sharing our experiences and hospitality around a common table”.

“I am sure that the designated children-related charities around the country are grateful for the sizeable donation that the Table of Peace and Unity has made in the past and that the public's purchase of tickets nationally can directly benefit the children as they did last year”.

According to the Table of Peace and Unity Director, Christine Cashmore, the Tables of Peace and Unity have grown to be South Africa's foremost charitable function. “The luncheon not only raises substantial funds for selected child-related charities, but primarily brings together South Africans with a common cause, a common goal - that of peace in this complex community, a country working to satisfy diverse expectations, and achieve true and lasting unity”, said Cashmore.

To date, the Tables of Peace and Unity have raised over R5 million - R750 000 last year alone. One hundred percent of the ticket sales monies is divided equally between the three charities, and used for specific projects.

In 2007, The Red Cross Children's Hospital was presented with a desperately needed mobile ventilator to move children from the operating theatres to ICU with the funds raised. A cottage was built for the Bobbi Bear foundation in Durban, to assist in housing abused children. A car was purchased for Copes Clinic SA in Soweto, allowing the caregivers to move from house to house taking care of children whose parents have died of AIDS - this enables them to operate out in the field, assisting child-headed homes to run effectively, ensuring that children have food, clothing and are attending school.

Cashmore explains the concept behind the tables which started nine years ago: “If there's one thing above all others which draws people together, no matter what their circumstances, it's the companionship of a meal. Barriers fall and there is something unifying about breaking bread with each other.”

“Like so many of life's significant turning points, this small vision has gathered momentum until today, where it's grown into a landmark occasion of national stature”, added Cashmore.

Says Cashmore: “We urge you to gather friends, colleagues and relatives to enjoy a gourmet luncheon paired with award-winning wines, share common ground with neighbours, celebrated international guests, local celebrities, respected community leaders and spiritual leaders from all denominations.”

All Capetonians who are not able to be at the table on Table Mountain, are encouraged to hold their own Table of Peace and Unity with family and friends in their homes, as a communal street party, in a community or church hall.

5 Steps to hosting your own Table of Peace and Unity proudly brought to you by Spekko Rice:

1. Set aside Sunday 27th of April as your contribution and commitment to peace and unity for all in South Africa.
   
2. Contact the Gourmet Festival on 021-797 4500 or tableofunity@gourmetsa.com for an information pack to you.
   
3. Invite family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to a memorable luncheon.
   
4. Prepare a wonderful three-course meal and take a special moment to break bread with those at your table, as a sign of peace and unity. To help prepare your Table of Peace and Unity menu, visit www.gourmetsa.com where some of the country's best chefs have shared their favourite and easy rice recipes.
   
5. Place a donation envelope on the table for your guests.
   
6. All proceeds from this event go to the Red Cross Children's Hospital, Copes Clinic SA Soweto and Bobbi Bear.
   
7. Purchase Spekko Rice at any Pick n Pay store nationally between 27 March and 27 April and 20c of every kilo of rice purchased will go to the three Children's charities, namely Bobbi Bear, Red Cross Children's Hospital and Copes Clinic SA Soweto.

If your "Table of Peace and Unity proudly brought to you by Spekko Rice" would like to gather together a contribution, please deposit it into the designated Bank Account below:

Account Name: Table of Peace and Unity
Bank: Nedbank
Account Number: 1232125741
Branch Code: 123209
Please fax your deposit slip to 021 797 4179


Cape Town Table of Peace and Unity Menu

Peter Tempelhoff - Executive Chef for
The Collection by Liz McGrath

Lime and fennel cured gravan lax with buckwheat blinis, crème fraiche pannacotta and cucumber vinaigrette


Phil Alcock - Executive Chef
One Waterfront
Cape Grace

Braised stuffed oxtail
Butternut and spinach Spekko Jasmine Fragrant Rice cake, glazed baby vegetables and its own jus


Clinton Bonhomme and Danielle Schamrel
Cape Town Hotel School
Granger Bay

Chocolate tear drop filled with cherry and vanilla Spekko Long Grain Parboiled Rice pudding, topped with marble cheese cake

Visit our PRESS OFFICE: It began with the vision of a single table on Table Mountain, where 500 South Africans from all walks of life would share a luncheon together, and show the country that a truly unified people holds the power to heal a nation.- more....

[7 May 2008 17:35]

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