Laughs for the Arch Gala Auction and Dinner by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation is hosting their second annual Laughs for the Arch fundraiser gala event on Saturday, 13 July 2024. Guests can expect an impeccably-presented evening of connection, comedy, creativity and cuisine that celebrates the legacy and values cherished by Archbishop Tutu and Mrs Leah Tutu.

This important fixture on Cape Town’s social calendar brings together 160 distinguished guests including ambassadors, business leaders, civil society figures, and supporters of the Foundation. Here’s what you can look forward to:

An auction of fine art and collectables for a good cause

The highlight of the evening will be the live auction led by the experienced auctioneer Philip Powell. Guests can bid on a variety of artworks, collectables, and unique experiences. All proceeds go towards supporting the impactful projects and programmes championed by the Foundation that are focused on fostering justice and peace worldwide.

Laughs for the Arch — Nik Rabinowitz and Marc Lottering

Live comedy with Nik Rabinowitz and Marc Lottering

Two of South Africa’s top comedians will provide comic relief throughout the evening. Hosted by the talented Mel Jones, attendees will be treated to stand-up performances by Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz, ensuring a night filled with laughter and meaningful connections.

“Laughs for the Arch is an evening of comedy celebrating Archbishop Tutu’s unique sense of humour,” explains Janet Jobson, CEO of The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. “One of his most endearing qualities was his irrepressible laugh. Humour was an important feature of his leadership. Not only was he the first one to laugh at himself, but he also had an uncanny ability to use humour to channel people’s anger and despair towards positive action.”

Crafts with care at the Laughs for the Arch Gala

The Gala Auction and Dinner will also mark the launch of the Foundation’s Tutu bracelets, a symbol of unity and support for the Foundation’s initiatives. Crafted in collaboration with Relate, these custom unisex bracelets represent the spirit of ubuntu – “I am because we are,” and are handmade by seniors, refugees, and township youth, empowering them economically while giving back to charitable causes.

“We are currently in a time of growing apathy, major global crises, increasing conflict, frightening climate change and stubborn inequality,” continues Jobson. “Now more than ever we miss Desmond Tutu’s voice of moral clarity, of courage, and of joy!

“The Arch used to say that “the tidal wave of change is made up of a million ripples”. Now is the time for us to mobilise these million ripples to secure his legacy of hope, of justice, of peace, and of healing.“