Cape Town – Hundreds of promising South Africans gain access to education, mentorship and leadership development thanks to R12.5 million raised in the Cay Mason Foundation's first hummingbird ball recently held in London.
In commemoration of her younger sister Kay, founded by bestselling novelist Richard Mason, the Kay Mason Foundation works to identify and nurture tomorrow's leader.
Over 26 years after royalties from Mason's global bestsellers, Drunkers have funded four academics to send to amazing schools, with hundreds of children from South Africa's most challenging communities going on the KMF programme and journeying into careers as doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, psychologists, chain makers, entrepreneurs, teachers, psychologists and lawyers.
The foundation, based in Cape Town, features a head office with its first patronage, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and is now urging individuals and businesses, particularly in South Africa, to be involved in life transformation.
Through financial support, mentorship and skill sharing, the message is clear. Everyone can play a role in allowing future leaders to deserve SA needs.
A call to action for South Africans who want to make a real difference in the lives of young people and the future of SA
“There are many ways to give,” said the South African-born star of hit show Lucifer and KMF board member Leslie Anne Blunt.
“There are obvious financial donations, but if you have someone with a specific skill set and can mentor young people, that's another valuable way to do it.”
She added: “We are planning a Hummingbird Ball in Cape Town, where I can introduce the organization to more South Africans.
“It's very important to learn and be inspired by the people that have an impact there. What Richard (Mason) always points out is that the joy you get from buying concrete items like bags and cars will eventually disappear.
“But investing in a child and seeing them succeed is a joy to grow. That's what we're doing in business. It's about giving joy to the donors and children they support.”
London's Black Taigara attracted an influential crowd of business and social philanthropists, celebrities and leaders.
Guests included Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, Emmy Award winners Tom Hollander, Sir Ben Okli and members of the British Royal Family.
Irons donated Bvlgari wristwatch to auction. This featured a gorgeous experience with Eddie Redmayne, Joanna Lumley and the Bare Grills.
Live music from Chris and philanthropist live music and live music from Harthy McLain, founder of Ronan Dunne, CEO of Vadacom, founder of Britain's biggest private equity fund, and Marquess of Cholmondeley, added to the energy of the night.
Each table is named after a current KMF scholar or alumni, with personal stories featured on custom designed cards.
Ceremony mistress Enati Ndaba – a KMF alumni who cut salaries from work in finance to join the organization's development team – embodied the influence of KMF when she led a powerful storytelling night.
The Hummingbird Spirit: Everyone can do something
“Hummingbirds make the impossible possible,” says Richard Mason, founder of KMF.
“They need to eat 24/7, but somehow they fly vast distances.
“Some species hit their wings 5,000 times a minute, something they have to do if they are born in a gang-registered suburb and want to be a high court judge.
“But hummingbirds are also beautiful, fertilizing the entire ecosystem. We consider scholars to be human hummingbirds, and we name the balls in honor of their honor.”
How you can help:
The KMF is actively expanding its reach in South Africa, inviting the public to:
Mentor A Scholar – Share your professional expertise or life skills and provide personalized guidance and homework support for your time or service subjects to support your company sponsorship or planned donations. KMF has the highest possible BBBEE rating and maximizes the company's ROI donation funds. All RANDs will be a fundraising initiative in the community or business.
“We're not just tuition fees, we're funding futures,” says Noëline De Goede, CEO of KMF.
“We aim to develop ethical leaders who give back to our communities, industries and countries.”
