Foundation Charity Dinner raises over £95,000

More than 400 people joined together at St Mary’s Stadium in support of the charity, including manager Ralph Hasenhüttl, captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, as well as Danny Ings and official Saints Foundation Ambassador James Ward-Prowse. 

Alongside them were other members of the coaching staff and some of Southampton’s most influential people – all in attendance to see how Saints Foundation is transforming lives in its local community. 

Both the manager and the players went on stage to discuss the work of the charity and their involvement throughout the season.

And it was the first-team boss who was first to speak about the positive impact of the Foundation's work, having visited a number of local programmes himself.

“They care about the city and the people living here," Hasenhüttl commented. "This is a message that is perfect for our club. It was interesting for me to see how much they do in Southampton. It is like nothing I have ever seen at a club before.”

Greg Baker, Head of Saints Foundation and Community Partnerships, added: “Our charity dinner was, once again, a massive success.

"There has been a lot of hard work put in throughout the year to make sure we make a real impact during the evening.

"To see people coming together during the night was incredibly inspirational and everyone at Saints Foundation is so grateful for every single donation and the staggering final total." 

It will make a huge impact on those who need it most in our community.

Greg Baker
head of Saints Foundation

Three stories were shared the night, as participants from all generations shed light on how the charity has helped them. 

One of those was elderly couple Eileen and Anthony. The Senior Saints participants, who are in their eighties and take part in circuit training every week, tragically lost two of their children in the space of six months. Specialised staff have supported them through this tough time and they have used Foundation sessions for respite. 

Participant Anthony said: “The sessions have helped me get out some of my frustrations over the last year. It is form of counselling for me.” 

Eileen added: “The staff are always so caring, and they have been there for us when we have needed them.”  

Through auction prizes and generous donations from Saints fans and a number of local businesses, the charity will be able to keep supporting people like Eileen and Anthony. But their work never stops.

The Charity Dinner was generously supported by Inland Homes, Ridon Joinery and Green Snow Ltd.