CELTIC FC Foundation are delighted to announce that we are bringing New York to you, as we get set to host our first ever Virtual New York Gala event on Thursday, October 8.
In October 2018 and 2019, we held Gala Dinners in Manhattan, in collaboration with our New York Committee and local Celtic Supporters’ Clubs.
The events developed a platform to build upon the strong support for Celtic Football Club in the city, and across North America and also helped to form the foundations for a long-term presence of Celtic FC Foundation, within New York City and its surrounding areas. The events raised incredible totals in the region of $400K and $550K respectively.
Our third event in Manhattan was planned for Thursday, October 8 this year but, sadly, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made that impossible.
But the need now is greater than ever as more and more people are suffering as a result of this crisis and are desperate for our support.
So, we’ve gone virtual! We’re inviting supporters on both sides of the Atlantic to join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening’s entertainment, and Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion, Jim Craig has a special message for you all.
The two-hour Virtual New York Gala on Thursday, October 8 will kick off at 4.30pm New York time and 9.30pm Celtic Park time. Full details on the event and how to register can be found HERE
The evening will feature:
– MC Hugo Straney, Producer and Host of the Hugo Straney Show
– A welcome message from Lisbon Lion legend, Jim Craig
– Two very special live guests – Celtic’s nine-in-a-row winning captain, Scott Brown and legendary music icon, Sir Rod Stewart
– Live pre and post-Gala performances from Celtic Park favourite, Liam McGrandles, with your chance to make a request
– Live Auction and Pledge Drive hosted by Pat Tully and Silent Auction
– Celtic FC and Celtic FC Foundation video pieces
Registration is free, but guests are encouraged to give what they can. Those who contribute $100 or more (contributions are converted to USD from guest’s local currency when making payment) at registration will be entered into a live draw on the night for a chance to win a premium hospitality package for two people, for a match of your choice (excluding Rangers) at Celtic Park, Glasgow during season 2020/21. Should COVID-19 restrictions prevent fulfilment, the prize will be carried forward in to season 2021/22.
Registration for the event is capped at 500 guests and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
As well as the live auction and pledge drive, guests will also have the opportunity to bid on a host of wonderful prizes in our online Silent Auction which will run before, during and after the live broadcast. Details will be announced shortly.
Monies raised on Thursday, October 8 will be devoted to our ongoing Football for Good Fund (FFGF), to support those who are most vulnerable within our local communities and in North America.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Celtic FC Foundation launched the FFGF in March 2020. Since then, the Fund has risen to over £700K ($900k) and we have worked with a host of partners to provide urgent food and essentials to those who are vulnerable – families, individuals, the elderly, the homeless, refugees and frontline medical workers.
Our partners include two based in New York – Coalition for the Homeless and Children’s Aid – who received donations to provide vital interventions for children and those who are homeless.
Thank you for your wonderful support.
