According to Michelle van Huyssteen, Reach for a Dream’s event and outing coordinator, and Inge Human, their team came all the way from Port Elizabeth to help create an unforgettable day for a group of Garden Route girls who all suffer from life-threatening illnesses.
"To assist in helping this dream project be a huge success, Protea Knysna Quays five-star hotel awarded its executive suite - usually reserved for VIPs - to Reach for a Dream. So the venue was really fit for our queens in making," enthuses Van Huyssteen.
Eugéne Barnard, marketing plan manager of Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, explains, "We are proud to be associated with Reach for a Dream as an annual sponsor. Donations from the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays include accommodation, use of facilities for events and any other means possible." The Protea Hospitality Group has launched a campaign to help raise both awareness and funds for Reach for a Dream throughout Africa by selling fluffy Lion-in-a-Tin toys at their reception desks.
All proceeds from the sale of the toys go directly towards realising the dreams of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Being especially aware that the girls often feel self-conscious about their illnesses or the way in which the illnesses and medications affect their physical appearances, the Reach for a Dream-team had just the surprise planned for them! Each little lady got the royal treatment and had a proper make-up session as part of the day’s thrills, making sure everyone felt and looked absolutely gorgeous.
With Hanna Montana and ‘Afrikaanse Treffers’ on the menu, the girls showed off their singing abilities on the SingStar, while Rachel and Bongi of the Protea Hotel pampered the girls one by one. With eye, lip, cheek and nail colours applied to delicate little faces and hands, a sprinkle of fairy dust rounded off the picture.
Meché Alexander, a local beauty (Miss Garden Route Casino and former Miss Knysna), inspired the girls with her message of hope.
"Hold on to your dreams and pursue your goals no matter what the challenges!"
Alexander gave the girls a few tips on how a beauty queen walks and wows her audience, and in no time at all, the girls were walking the red carpet with confidence.
Each precious girl was crowned and sashed as Queen for a Day, with the strong message that they are all beautiful no matter their illnesses or what the illnesses do to their physical appearance. With Hello Kitty smiling from every angle, the girls enjoyed a feast to celebrate this special day at a table splashed with pink.
The Reach for a Dream team wishes to thank its sponsers, JHI and the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays Hotel who made this day of pampering and celebration possible.
Anyone who wants to nominate someone between the ages of three and 18 to have his or her dream realised, can contact the Reach for a Dream Foundation on 041 373 9705.
The Reach for a Dream team with 13 little girls at a Queen for a Day party at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays. In front is Eugéne Barnard, and Meché Alexander is in the centre.
ARTICLE: ANOESCHKA VON MECK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
