'Come Dine with Me' for charity

CHILD Welfare is looking for the metro's "host with the most" to win great prizes in a fundraising version of the popular reality style television show Come Dine With Me.

The tasty invite is going out to anyone who feels up to cooking a three- course meal from now until the end of October for a group of friends and is willing to take their criticism – and cash – for charity.

"Child Welfare Eastern Cape is launching this new fundraising initiative to continue our work with the most vulnerable children in our province," said area manager Pearl Blecher.

The organisation was dealt a severe financial blow last month when Lotto decided not to renew funding of its national activities for next year.

"As child abuse in all its forms, as well as child trafficking, is increasing alarmingly on a daily basis we need as much support as we can get to save the kids involved."

Blecher said the fundraiser's format would be similar to Come Dine With Me, where amateur chefs competed against each to host the best dinner party. Each competitor rates the host's performance with the winner taking a cash prize.

The prizes for Child Welfare's Come Dine With Me promotion are worth more than R5000 and includes a bed and breakfast treat at the new Boardwalk hotel due to open in December.

Blecher spelt out how it would work: "You need to supply a three-course meal and the accompanying liquid refreshment, wine or whatever you prefer. Each guest must pay R200 for the evening.

"Your guests will then each vote on their rating of the evening, separately and confidentially on a card in a sealed envelope provided."

Child Welfare will collate the scores and the host or hostess receiving the highest score will win the prize.

In the event of scores being tied, there will be a "cook-off", and "I am sure it will go to a cook-off!" said Blecher.

She said the dinner party could take any form: "If you prefer to braai, fondue or any other type of meal, go ahead, maybe your initiative will earn you more points!

"The more who volunteer to host, the more we can raise so please consider this seriously, and ask anyone you know who might be interested."

For further information from Blecher call 083-399-5853, or e-mail: pearlb@nashuaisp.co.za