Inspiring stories and spine-tingling performances: your reactions to 2025's Gala Awards Dinner
Here's how Foundation of Light partners, supporters, and the public have responded to 2025's Gala Awards Dinner.
Sleep Out is a great event to be part of and raises much needed funds to help us challenge poverty and homelessness. We get new people coming every year and everyone has their own story on why they are taking part. We are looking forward to this year’s event which we hope will be the most successful yet.
Jemma Dowson, Events ManagerSunderland AFC legend Kevin Ball, who attended last year’s event, told the Sunderland Echo: “There is going to be a lot of people who are homeless at the moment and they do need our support. "The only way sometimes to do that is to go out and raise money and know that when the money goes to Centrepoint it is going to be used in the right way to support these people.” Jess Sullivan, Regional Fundraising Officer for Centrepoint, said: “It would be impossible for us to replicate the reality of homelessness but we hope that those taking part in Sleep Out will broaden their understanding of the challenges involved such as sleeping on the floor, facing the cold and getting through the next day with very little sleep. “While the event only offers a glimpse in to the struggles of being homeless, the money raised will have a huge impact on those in the North East who unfortunately find homelessness as their reality. It will help to support vulnerable young people to gain the skills and confidence they need to move on in to education, work and a home.”
Here's how Foundation of Light partners, supporters, and the public have responded to 2025's Gala Awards Dinner.
The Beacon of Light sparkled as the Foundation of Light’s annual Gala Awards Dinner brought together inspirational stories, top-class entertainment, and Black Cats legends in a night that truly showcased the power of football to change lives.
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