Saints Foundation Charity Dinner breaks own record with £143k raised
Patrons, partners and special guests including Russell Martin and Marieanne Spacey-Cale gave their leap day back to our club's charity at their annual gala dinner.
More than £140,000 was raised by 400+ generous guests at the Saints Foundation Charity Dinner, which played out in style at St Mary’s Stadium last night (Thursday 29 February).
This year’s proceedings were compèred by hosts Kenzie Benali and Adam Blackmore, with notable attendees including Francis Benali MBE, James Beattie, Steven Davis, Sam McQueen, and Southampton FC Men’s and Women’s First Team Managers, Russell Martin and Marieanne Spacey-Cale MBE.
Further representation from the club came from Chairman Henrik Kraft, CEO Phil Parsons, and Women’s players Rosie Parnell and Jemma Purfield.
Pictured: Senior Saint Eunice takes to the stage alongside Senior Health Coordinator Jess Hulbert and host Kenzie Benali
Guests heard how Saints Foundation has helped transform the lives of four Southampton locals, all from starkly varied backgrounds and facing very different challenges. Eunice (67, of Portswood) spoke about how the Senior Saints programme has reduced her isolation since losing her sight in 2010, while Richard (55) and Gus (48, of St Mary’s) shared their experiences of finding camaraderie on our men’s mental health programme Saints By Your Side.
The night closed with the presentation of the annual Jordan Willsher Award, which recognises overcoming adversity to achieve success with Saints Foundation. This year’s recipient was 17-year-old Jess, a young carer from Harefield who’s been supported through secondary school by Foundation Community Champion, James.
Pictured: Jordan Willsher Award winner Jess with Saints Women's players Rosie Parnell and Jemma Purfield
In the midst of a hectic fixture schedule for the Saints, First Team Manager Russell Martin took the time to show his support for the club’s charity and joined fellow coach Marieanne Spacey-Cale for an on-stage Q&A. They spoke about the importance of the Foundation’s work in the community, with Spacey-Cale – an ambassador of the charity – reflecting on her recent work on girls’ leadership project Changemakers.
Thanks to massive fundraising efforts and the support of headline partners Peter Cooper Motor Group, Gather & Gather, Charters Estate Agents and Barratt David Wilson Homes, the night’s fundraising surpassed well over £130,000 – and in a further hugely generous gesture, Sport Republic added more than £11,000 to the overall total by matching proceeds raised by the live auction.
Pictured: Saints Foundation ambassador Franny Benali enjoys one of the night's fundraising games
Greg Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Saints Foundation, said: “We’re all blown away by the generosity of everyone who attended this year’s Saints Foundation Charity Dinner.
“Like everyone in the room, I was moved by the incredible stories shared by our amazing, inspirational participants, and I’m proud to say we’ll use this record-breaking fundraising total to help other people on their own journeys.
“Our vision is making Southampton a place where everyone thrives, and the money raised this year will help us further that goal – by helping those who need it most, we’re making the city better for all.
"I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our guests for their generosity, and to our event partners, without whom this event could not take place. We’re also incredibly grateful to Sport Republic for their extremely generous donation, and to everyone at Southampton Football Club, who continue to back us every step of the way to make a real difference in our city.”
In addition to its headline partners, the Saints Foundation Charity Dinner 2024 was also supported by Elmtree Signs, J’Adore Events and Milktree Agency.
