FOUNDATION TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS WITH STAR-STUDDED GALA DINNER

International music sensation Emeli Sandé will headline Foundation of Light's 20^th birthday Gala Awards Dinner, at the charity’s home the Beacon of Light later this year. The very special event, taking place on Friday 8 October will celebrate and showcase the work of Sunderland AFC’s official charity and the impact it has made to thousands of lives across the North East over the last 20 years, as well as raise thousands to support community sport, education, employability and wellbeing projects. Featuring the inspiring and heart-warming stories of children, families and adults who have overcome adversity or achieved excellence in sport, health or education, the Gala Awards Dinner will feature a range of very special guests including Sir Bob Murray CBE, Steve Cram CBE, Kate Adie CBE and Sir Tim Rice CBE to name just a few. Sandé, a multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, is immensely proud of her North East heritage and two years ago was appointed as Chancellor of the University of Sunderland. She wrote her first song at the age of 11 but was thrust into the spotlight in 2012 when her debut album, Our Version of Events, spent 10 weeks at number one and broke a chart record set by the Beatles. The award-winning artist will perform songs from "Our Version of Events” and “Long Live the Angels.” Speaking about performing at the unique event, Sandé said: “I am honoured to be performing at the Foundation of Light’s 20^th birthday Gala Awards Dinner. I am really looking forward to this very special evening, celebrating the positive difference the Foundation has made to so many people’s lives and the amazing work it does across the region.” Sir Bob Murray CBE, Foundation of Light’s chair of Trustees added: “We are delighted that Emeli Sandé will be joining us on to headline what is set to be a very special Gala Awards Dinner. “After such a challenging year, we are delighted to be looking forward to such a special event and Emeli adds stardust to an already special evening for our community. “Over the last 20 years, the Foundation has supported over half a million people across the North East. It is a hugely special charity that has impacted, and continues to impact, so many people across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham. “Our annual awards is a way for us to reflect and celebrate our amazing participants but also take the opportunity to thank our staff, partners and donors for their continued support and belief in what we do.”