Guests are invited to join in a night of connection and comedy at the Laughs for the Arch Gala Auction and Dinner, a tribute to the “Arch” and his legacy of moral clarity, courage, and joy. Hosted at the prestigious Cape Town City Hall, this second edition of the gala event promises an evening of laughter, entertainment, and philanthropy.
The event, aimed at preserving and advancing the values cherished by Archbishop Tutu and Mrs Leah Tutu, will bring together 160 distinguished guests including ambassadors, business leaders, civil society figures, and supporters of the Foundation. Hosted by the talented Mel Jones, attendees will be treated to stand-up performances by renowned comedians Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz, ensuring a night filled with laughter and meaningful connections.
The highlight of the evening will be the live auction led by the experienced auctioneer Philip Powell. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of artworks, collectables, and unique experiences, with all proceeds going towards supporting the impactful projects and programmes championed by the DLTLF, focused on fostering justice and peace worldwide.
“Laughs for the Arch is an evening of comedy celebrating Archbishop Tutu’s unique sense of humour,” says Janet Jobson, CEO 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.”
Adding to the night’s significance, the Gala Auction and Dinner will mark the launch of the Foundation’s Tutu bracelets, a symbol of unity and support for the DLTLF’s initiatives. Crafted in collaboration with Relate, these custom unisex bracelets represent the spirit of ubuntu – “I am because we are,” and are crafted 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.“
Tickets are priced at R1,000, with tables of ten available for R10,000, and all are welcome to attend this special event by booking here.
For more information and to support the Foundation’s mission, visit https://www.tutu.org.za/
