Burke, who is fast becoming one of the most sought-after charity auctioneers in South Africa, managed to raise the funds over a one-month period at charity auctions held for Reach for a Dream (R385 000), the Amy Biehl Foundation (R317 000), a Camps Bay Business Forum Gala Dinner (R137 000) to assist homeless people in the area, the Cape Autism Charity Trust (R170 000), Fellows for Cancer (R300 000), Greyton House College and Darling College (R80 000 each) and the International School (R130 000).
While the auctioneer's job is to raise the excitement level in the room, Burke makes the point that it's the donors that come to the party with sponsored packages that make all the difference to the amount of money raised. Explains Burke: "It's one of the things that made, for example, the Amy Biehl Foundation gala evening such a tremendous success. Items for sale included tea with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (which raised R40 000) and a Robben Island tour with Ahmed Kathrada (which raised R30 000)."
Likewise, items up for auction at the Cape Autism Charity Trust event including a sculpture by Leonard Smith (sold for R40 000), while the Fellows for Cancer auction enticed people to open their pocketbooks for a Richard Scott painting (R25 000) plus a photo and cricket bat both signed by Graham Smith (R35 000). "Both organisations were over the moon as the monies raised were way beyond their original expectations," says Burke.
