Sunderland AFC players past and present and some of the biggest names from across the North East turned out to show their support for Foundation of Light’s star-studded Gala Awards Dinner.
The event – a highlight of the football club’s official charity’s calendar - celebrated the inspirational stories of 16 Foundation participants who overcame adversity to live happier and healthier lives.
Held at the Foundation’s home, the Beacon of Light, the evening raised over £80,000 to support the charity’s work across the region.Hosted by Sky Sports presenters David Jones and Tom White, over 300 guests were treated to performances from hit theatre show The Sunderland Story and chart-topper Jason Donovan.
Black Cats stars Luke O’Nien, Trai Hume and Niall Huggins joined former players Kevin Phillips and Marco Gabbiadini to help dish out awards to the winners.For more than two decades, the Foundation of Light - the official charity of Sunderland AFC – has used the power of football to support over half a million people from some of the most deprived areas in the North East every year.Tackling some of the region's biggest challenges including social isolation, unemployment, food poverty and poor physical and mental health.
Through various initiatives and programmes and links with Sunderland AFC, the Foundation gives families the opportunity to access sports and fitness sessions, mental health resources and experience the facilities at the Beacon of Light community hub.
Foundation of Light Chairman, Sir Bob Murray said: “It gives me great pride to see everyone come together to celebrate the amazing achievements of both the Foundation of Light and the winners of this year’s awards.
“Our communities have been struggling with a cost-of-living crisis and their need for support has never been greater. The Foundation has worked hard to introduce new initiatives to help those who are most vulnerable.
“The Gala Dinner gives us the opportunity to celebrate the impact the Foundation has made, while also raising funds to ensure that our hard work can continue.
“We have an incredible showcase of inspiring stories from children, families and adults, each of whom have worked incredibly hard and it is an honour to be able to give them the recognition they deserve.”
OUR WINNERS:
Leon Stoves – New Opportunities Award sponsored by the Harrison Centre for Social MobilityTase Olusanya – Shining Star Award sponsored by The Banks GroupWanda Sidaway – Community Champion Award sponsored by StagecoachOliver Moody- Exceptional Learner Award sponsored by Laidlaw TrustDavid Little – Positive Change Award sponsored by VantecGeorge Hutchinson- Team Player Award sponsored by AspireKayley Dunn – Making a Difference Award sponsored by Helen McCardleCharlotte Laddie – Heart on Your Sleeve Award sponsored by The Murray FamilySarah Hesler – Creating Chances Award sponsored by British EsportsRhea Hayes- Future Star Award sponsored by LycettsJames Stanness- Outstanding Volunteer Award sponsored by the John Wood FamilyOliver Roberts- Shooting Star Award sponsored by Rorack ShippingNiki Watkis – Better Together Award sponsored by Arriva North EastEmily Brown – Inspiring Excellence Award sponsored by Durham UniversityLola Marshall – Rising Ambition Award sponsored by AK Teaching
Jessica Hunter – Overcoming Adversity Award, sponsored by Sunderland Council
A group of students from the Foundation of Light’s scholarship and study programmes were given a unique opportunity to visit Japan thanks to funding from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
Foundation of Light PFA Player Ambassador, Aji Alese, and teammate Jenson Seelt marked EFL Week of Action with a visit to the Beacon of Light.
Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, is thrilled to announce defender Aji Alese as official PFA Player Ambassador.