Caitlin Clerk is ready for New York

Clerk did not know whether she was excited or anxious. “I was blown away by the fact that I was in, and, at the same time I was already wondering how I could possibly afford this trip,” she explained.

Instead of sitting in worry, Clerk decided to make her dreams of being a performing artist a reality.

“I knew that this experience was something that I just cannot give up on,” she said.

Clerk has already raised R54 000 for the trip to study at the a cademy for a month.

She will be hosting a Birthday Benefit Party on 7 December at the Theatre on the Square to raise the remainder of the required amount for the tuition fees.

“I am in the show called Tarts, and all the proceeds for the night will go to my tuition fees for the New York Film Academy. I am starring in the show with two actresses whom I admire; Judy Ditchfield and Ilse Klink. It’s also my 25th birthday party so a big birthday cake will be sponsored by the Cakery Bakery,” Clerk said.

Cakery Bakery is owned by Jessica Ransome, an entrepreneur from Bryanston. “I think it is great that we are both making waves in our separate industries because I know how important it is for young people to take control of their own financial futures,” said Clerk.

Clerk was advised by her godmother to gather funds through a crowd-funding campaign and did so through the Startme website successfully.

Details: www.startme.co.za