Anniversary Ball raises over £200,000
A gala dinner celebrating the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation’s 35th anniversary has raised £200,465.
More than 500 guests were invited to the Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Ball, which took place on Tuesday (30 September) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole on Brighton’s iconic seafront.
A host of special guests were in attendance including chairman Tony Bloom MBE, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman Paul Barber OBE, Foundation ambassador Joel Veltman, Albion defender Lewis Dunk, goalkeeper Jason Steele, Seagulls women’s first team players Nadine Noordam and Caitlin Hayes, Masterchef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards and Royal Blood drummer Ben Thatcher.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and an evening of entertainment including interactive music experiences with Song Division, and an incredible end to the night dancing to a set from famous Albion fan and Superstar DJ, Fatboy Slim.
Foundation participants Chase Wells and Kieran Green both spoke to the crowd about their experiences playing in the charity’s disability football programme.
The evening was hosted by fan-favourite Rich Reynolds and raised £200,465 for the BHAFC Foundation courtesy of ticket sales and money raised from auctions on the night. All of the funds raised will go towards supporting the charity’s community work across Sussex.
Lauren Ellis, Fundraising Manager at the BHAFC Foundation, expressed her gratitude: “I’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who came to our anniversary ball, you’ve truly made such a big difference. The money we raised tonight will have a tremendous impact in local communities across Sussex.
“I’d also like to express my thanks to everyone who helped make this event a real success – all of our sponsors, partners, and staff members who put so many hours in behind the scenes.”
Carina Bauer, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Foundation, was delighted at how the evening went. “The anniversary ball was such a wonderful event and it seemed as though everyone had a fabulous evening.
“We raised a brilliant amount of money and we will put it to excellent use.
“Our mission is to bring football to people all over Sussex, and these funds will help us do just that. We’ll be able to support even more girls trying football for the first time, even more people with a disability, and even more young people in high-need communities.”
Club captain Lewis Dunk spoke about the importance of the Foundation as part of the local community.
“I think the club’s only going one way and only getting bigger and bigger globally, but I don’t see us losing the community aspect,” the club captain said.
“It’s all about community at this club and helping Sussex the best we can. And us growing as a football club only helps the Foundation get bigger.
“We’re celebrating 35 years, so even when the club wasn’t here, when we had to play in Gillingham, it kept that link with the community. Hopefully it keeps growing for another 35 years and impacts a lot more lives in Sussex that are in need.
“So yes, this is an amazing night for an amazing Foundation and I think it keeps the roots of the club in the community, and that is what makes it special. That’s why I wanted to come tonight.”
American Express continued their long-standing partnership with the Foundation and were headline sponsor of the event.
Beverly Sawyers, Executive Vice President at American Express, said “We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation supporting programmes across Sussex that make a real difference, from helping young people develop skills and confidence, to promoting wellbeing, to ensuring football is accessible to everyone.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone who has been involved in helping the Foundation reach this milestone anniversary.”
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