Join the Chicago-themed fundraiser in support of St Michael's Catholic Church

Guests are encouraged to dress in their 1920s Chicago-themed outfits and get ready to enjoy a night of jazz in support of St Michael’s Catholic Church.

St Michael’s Catholic Church in Rondebosch will be hosting their Chicago-themed fund-raiser towards the end of July to raise funds to continue their community outreach work and do much-needed maintenance work on the church, which is over 172 years old.

Father Chiedza Chimhanda said they have a two-pronged reason for having this fundraiser.

“As a Catholic Church we put our faith to practice, we are helping out in Manenberg with supporting an aftercare, programme, we are supporting a sister’s charity in Khayelitsha, and we are supporting a creche in Delft,” he said. 

Father Chimhanda said their outreach work is to help strengthen and support the less privileged communities.

He said they also need to do maintenance work on their ancient church building.

“Our aches and pains we need to take care of include fixing leaking roofs, broken windows, some walls that need to be painted, and work to improve their kitchen,” he said.

Father Chimhanda said the church survives on donations from the congregation.

“The church does not have a fixed income; the donations from the congregation will never be enough to support the extra need of the establishment,” he said.

This fundraising event is inspired by the popular  American Broadway musical, Chicago, which will be playing at our local theatre late this year.

Longtime parishioner Carol Rasmussen, who does community outreach for the church and who is organising this event, said this fund-raiser will take place at the Kelvin Grove ballroom in Newlands, which can accommodate 300 guests.

The original soundtrack of the Chicago musical will be playing at the fund-raiser. Ms Rasmussen said the fund-raiser will include a three-course meal and a five-piece live band. There will also be a live auction, and radio presenters will be present.

Ms Rasmussen said this fundraiser is much needed.

“It is important for everyone to take ownership of maintaining our beautiful spiritual space,” she said.

St Michael’s Catholic Church is urging the public to support their event and is calling on any corporates to donate any items that they could sell for their live auction. The Chicago Dinner, Dance and Auction fund-raiser will take place on Saturday, July 26, from 6.30pm at Kelvin Grove Club’s ballroom.

Tickets cost R600 a person. To book tickets, call or text Ms Rasmussen at 084 990 0244 or email carolrasmussen1968@gmail.com