Wednesday 31st May 2017
From lying in a hospital bed for months after being infected with a tropical bacteria which lead to two open heart surgeries, author Greg Bertish found the inspiration to write a children’s book aimed to inspire young children that being “Fine is Fantastic”.
The evening started off with an amazing attendance of over 250 people at the Two Oceans Aquarium who came out in support of the Shark Spotters and The Little Optimist. After guests meandered around the Aquarium, everyone gathered in the I&J Oceans Exhibit to hear the tale of The Little Optimist and how the book came about.
The number of amazing local shops around Muizenberg and Cape Town who donated gifts and items to be auctioned off led to an incredible sum of over R40 000 raised in aid of the Shark Spotters and over 200 books sold.
As the evening drew to a close, tummies were full and guests were happy with their lucky draw prizes a few stayed behind and had the chance to chat to Greg personally. One of the few, a close friend of Greg’s – Daniel Kantor who when reading the book for the first time moments earlier said “I have actually got Goosebumps reading this”
Guests included the original Shark Spotter Monwbisi Sikwiyaya, Conn Bertish, The young (now gentleman who lay in the hospital bed stationed next to Greg’s )Adam Klopper and his father Ian Klopper or NSRI Kommetjie as well as Ian Kilbride & Wendy De Souza of Warwick Wealth who have helped fund this amazing project as well as Ard Mathews & Josie Borain who have all played important roles in making Greg’s dream to “Just do good” happen. It is a lifelong journey and Greg hopes to continue to inspire and give back as long as possible.
A massive THANK YOU to all those who attended and showed your support by purchasing books, and donating books to penurious children
For each book sold, one is donated to a sick or needy child.
If you were unable to attend there are still books available online and at your local surf shops.
Please visit http://thelittleoptimist.org/index.php/kids-book-1/
