It was an evening to remember for Celtic FC Foundation at last night’s Annual Sporting Dinner, as an astonishing net total in the region of £120K was raised. The events was sponsored for a third successive year by David McDonald Financial Services.

We were joined by 480 guests and, as always, those in attendance showed magnificent support through our Live Auction, Silent Auction and Prize Draw.

And the Club’s Men’s and Women’s teams got right behind our efforts, as guests were treated to Q&A sessions with Celtic Manager, Brendan Rodgers, as well as Adam Idah, Liam Scales, Kelly Clarke and Kit Loferski, while Women’s Team Manager Elena Sadiku also joined us.

We also heard from five true Celtic legends – Martin O’Neill, Neil Lennon, Chris Sutton, Scott Brown and Tom Boyd – who enthralled the room with stories from their time at Celtic.

The vital funds raised will go a long way in assisting our provision, as we aim to support the most vulnerable within our communities. The main beneficiary of last night’s Sporting Dinner will be our Ability Counts project, which is grounded on a simple model of inclusivity, companionship, and most importantly, fun.

Initially engaging young people with Down’s Syndrome, the range of delivery has steadily evolved over the years and now also includes sessions for those living with Autism and a stream for those aged 18+, focusing on employability and mature learning.

We were delighted to be joined last night by Jacqu Brown, whose sons Kieran and Reece attend our 18+ strand and Jacqu told her very poignant, emotional and inspiring story, highlighting how important the support received via the Ability Counts project has been for her and her family.

Speaking after the event, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “Yet again, we have been blown away by the incredible generosity shown at our Annual Sporting Dinner. The funds raised last night will be absolutely vital for our Ability Counts project, as we continue to support so many through each of the project’s diverse strands.

“I’d like to express our great thanks to so many who contributed to the success of the event, including David McDonald Financial Services, Brendan Rodgers, Elena Sadiku and members of the Men’s team and Women’s team, Martin O’Neill, Neil Lennon, Chris Sutton, Scott Brown, Tom Boyd, Jacqu Brown, everyone who donated prizes, Magners (who generously provided a complimentary drink for all guests), Bell and Bain (who kindly donated the event printed materials) and of course, all of the guests in attendance for their marvellous and continued backing.”

Celtic Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson, added: “On behalf of everyone at the Club, I’d like to express our thanks to those who played a part in delivering such a successful event. The Celtic supporters attending the Sporting Dinner make it a very special night, and we are all very grateful for their amazing generosity, which will make a massive difference to the lives of others.”