Chefs who Share – The ART of Giving 2016 has once again raised over R2 million in aid of Youth Development. Held this year for the first time in Johannesburg, the full week of events exceeded the expectations of Barbara Lenhard and Florian Gast, founders of Chefs who Share and also trustees of the Chefs who Share Trust.

Lenhard is delighted with the outcome and quality of this year’s various events, supported by premium partners Deutsche Bank and Swiss International Air Lines as well as supporting partners Bulgari, Frey Chocolate, and the Century City Conference Centre and hospitality partner Sun International.

This was the fourth delivery of South Africa’s biggest series of collaborative art and culinary events. From the Art Preview Evening on Monday, to Pre-Dinners held at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff in partnership with Dom Pérignon, at The Maslow in conjunction with Moët et Chandon, and at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in collaboration with Ruinart – and concluding with the Grand Gala and live auction on 24 September.

This uniquely styled, ‘feel-good’ event, is based on the generous donations from participants, sponsors, and guests – whether it be time, talent, funds, experiences or outstanding art – in order to have raised the millions which it has already donated to various local youth-focused charities. The event itself is a culinary achievement which draws on the time and unique culinary talents of 14 top local and international chefs who are flown in to collaborate with seven acclaimed sommeliers, to create seven different expertly-paired, gourmet menus for 252 guests on the Gala evening – during which works by high-calibre artists, collectable items and unique experiences are auctioned.

During this black-tie event and live auction, works donated by local and international artists were undoubtedly the highlights, with enthusiastic bidders eager to secure works by some of South Africa’s most famous creators.

A work donated by Jimmy Law, titled Rescue Me, with an estimated value of R45 000, unleashed highly competitive bids among attendees, with the Auctioneer, Gift Ngwenya, announcing the closing bid at an incredible R245 000! Another painting, donated by artist Eugenia Chapman Campbell, with an estimated value of R28 000, was also an auction highlight with the successful bidder offering an unchallenged R110 000. A torso sculpture of the late Nelson Mandela by Jean Doyle, a sculpture titled ‘Oblivian of the Waves’ by Anton Smit, a giclee print on archival paper, titled ‘Malay Girl Triptych’ by Lionel Smit and a magnificent bronze statue by Adriaan Diedericks, titled ‘Exhale’ all exceeded their indicated value prices by far.

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