Fans and Fatboy Slim support Foundation Matchday
Albion fans raised over £16,000 for the Foundation at Saturday’s Community Matchday.
A sun-soaked Amex Stadium hosted a 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, alongside the community action of Foundation staff and volunteers. The team raised awareness of the charity’s work and collected vital funds from fans with a raffle and sales of our new limited-edition t-shirt, in collaboration with Fatboy Slim.
The International DJ, Albion fan and Foundation Ambassador got supporters into the festival spirit with a surprise, pop-up gig in the BugBar. He was joined at the decks by the club’s Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman, Paul Barber OBE and Foundation beneficiary and whizz on the mixers, Ryan Crickmore.
Norman then joined fans in the crowd for selfies and helped sell raffle tickets, later announcing the lucky winners prize pitch-side at half time.
Elsewhere, award-winning Tunnel Club’s Chef Director and Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards, held an impromptu auction for fans to bid on an exclusive dining experience at his Hove restaurant, Etch, raising over £500.
Another fundraising hero was Ian Hine, who very kindly donating the profits from the sale of his book ‘Brighton & Hove Albion: An Illustrated History of the matchday Programme’, raising another £500.
The players also got in the community spirit during the pre-match warm-up, wearing special BHAFC Foundation shirts to show their support for the charity, five of which will be signed by the whole squad for a fundraising auction.
Thanks to all of the above, alongside fan donations, a silent auction, and new Community Champion sign-ups, the Foundation raised over £16,000, a fantastic sum that will help support the Foundation’s award-winning work all over Sussex.
Joe Jenkins, CEO at the BHAFC Foundation, was blown away by the amazing engagement from the fans:
“This was my first Community Matchday as Chief Executive of the Foundation. I was aware of the huge impact these activations have had in the past, but it was incredible to see it first-hand and be part of such a fantastic event.
“These Community Matchdays are not only crucial for raising essential funds but also strengthening awareness of the work the charity does across Sussex.
“From all the activations out on the concourse to the silent auction, Albion fans have rallied for the Foundation in their droves. I cannot thank everyone enough for taking time to engage with us.”
A special thanks also goes to the Albion players and staff for supporting the cause, Justin and his team at The Bug Club and all of the wonderful volunteers and supporters who helped make the day a success.
If you want to support the BHAFC Foundation’s life-changing work, you can do so here.