10 years of Bastille Day at Le Fournil a delightful success
10 years of Bastille Day at Le Fournil was held on Thursday the 14th of July 2016, as Le Fournil celebrated their 10th year by raising funds for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust.
Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, which was an important event 226 years ago. The largest and oldest military parade in Europe is held on the morning of 14th of July, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris in front of the President of the Republic, French officials and foreign guests.
An outstanding amount of Plett locals – French or not, attended this event by invitation and were treated to amazing weather, delicious food and riveting entertainment.
The evening kicked off with Jane’s uncle, Robert singing on guitar to the tune of the French National anthem… La Marseillaise. Speeches were made by Jane, Flo and her daughter Bérénice, which was deeply moving and reflected 10 years of Le Fournil’s success.
Everyone was then treated to the enchanting sounds of a handful of local children who have been learning the art of playing their instruments under the instruction of three talented music teachers – Jane, Martinet and Lydia.
This evening was especially dedicated to raising funds for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust. This Trust was established in 1994 to raise funds for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital – the largest stand-alone tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, dedicated entirely to children.
In 2011 the Trust expanded its fundraising reach beyond the Hospital’s doors to impact more broadly on the quality of healthcare provided to children at other levels of the health services. The Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation that relies on the benevolence of donors to realise its aims.
Le Fournil have proudly managed to raise nearly R25 000. There were two CEMair tickets auctioned for R6300 and a lush coat from French Kisses went for a whopping R1800! The children who went around collecting funds managed to collect an amazing amount of R17 000, to the delight of all involved.
Once the auctions were over, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the French ambience and great music performed by Dave and Ian MacMillan, who also gave their time as a donation.
Jane and Flo give a heartfelt thankyou to all those who were involved in making this a successful and memorial event!
10 years of Bastille Day at Le Fournil Gallery