Celtic FC Foundation raise $355,000 at New York Gala Dinner

Brendan Rodgers, Henrik Larsson, and Dermot Desmond were part of the Celtic delegation that attended the annual New York Gala Dinner of the Celtic FC Foundation yesterday night in Manhattan. And the club announced today that, as about 350 guests took in a fantastic evening of Celtic entertainment—complete with the unusual addition of Deacon Blue performing live—an amazing amount of $355,000 was raised for charitable organizations.

Additionally, Celtic Supporters’ groups from Philadelphia, Dallas, New Jersey, and New York were all represented. Perhaps someone from one of these groups might give us an update on what Brendan Rodgers and Dermot Desmond said?

Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive, gave a welcome and a vote of gratitude to the Celtic FC Foundation before Hugo Straney, the host, opened the event. The King of Kings then spoke about his passion for the Club and some of his favorite moments from his time in the Hoops, and Tony invited Henrik Larsson to join him on stage for an incredible Q&A.

Celtic’s largest stakeholder, Dermot Desmond, accepted a Business Award and gave a speech in which he expressed his love for Celtic, his desire to see the club succeed further, and his great delight in the Club’s ongoing dedication to its charity tradition. There was more music before Brendan Rodgers led his own Q&A. He discussed his favorite Celtic moments, his goals for the Club going forward, and his excitement about traveling back to the US this summer with the club.

Both Roy Aitken and George McCluskey, who were present and added even more Celtic legends to the special occasion—both players were stars of the 4-2 victory—were always delighted to engage with the Celtic supporters. Maybe it’s something that has been lost in more recent times, but players of that era considered that to be part of their role.

After Deacon Blue’s performance, the program concluded with a musical highlight from the amazing Liam McGrandles. The major players have shared their comments on a fantastic Celtic night in keeping with the Celtic tradition, and the Celtic FC website details how the funds raised will be used.

According to the official Celtic FC website:

The Foundation will be able to fund ongoing project delivery in Glasgow and Ireland, as well as carry on its work in the city for an additional year, thanks to the money raised at the Gala, which will help disadvantaged children, youth, and adults. This will cover our collaborative efforts with the Coalition for the Homeless and Children’s Aid in New York, Paradise Pit Stop in Glasgow, Community Games, and the Ability Counts program in Ireland.

“It’s been another wonderful Gala at Cipriani Downtown and I am incredibly grateful to the team at the Foundation and my fellow Committee members for their magnificent efforts,” stated Paul Geaney, chair of the gala committee.

“The remarkable $355K net fundraising total is attributable to the immense kindness and generosity of each and every person and organization that has contributed in some way. Most significantly, this will significantly affect the Foundation’s efforts to support disadvantaged children, youth, and adults in New York, Glasgow, and Ireland.

“This was our fifth year in New York and we wouldn’t have gotten past the first one, had it not been for the Gala Dinner Committee, who help us sell this event,” said Tony Hamilton, chief executive of the Celtic FC Foundation.

“My heartfelt gratitude to each of them; we are truly fortunate to have such support. We also like to express our gratitude to all of the Celtic Supporters’ Clubs and other sponsors that purchase tables and seats for the Gala. Without the Celtic supporters in New York and everywhere else, we could not do what we do.

Lastly, a big thank you to all of our partners as well as Dermot Desmond, Brendan Rodgers, and Henrik Larsson.

Celtic’s CEO and Foundation Trustee Michael Nicholson continued, saying, “I want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s New York Gala. The money raised will enable the Celtic FC Foundation to carry on helping people in Glasgow, Ireland, and the USA. Thank you to everyone who came and supported this wonderful Celtic evening.

“I express my gratitude to Paul Geaney for his vital contribution to the triumph of the New York Gala since its establishment. We are thrilled to hear that Thursday, March 20th, 2020 has already been set aside for the Gala, and we are all looking forward to collaborating with the Gala Committee to ensure this significant event continues to succeed.

MORE NEWS HERE