CELTIC FC Foundation’s annual Ghirls for Good ladies lunch took place in the Kerrydale Suite on Saturday, December 12.  This was a key event within our 2015 Christmas Appeal and raised a magnificent £11,000.

Sponsored by Enchanted Forest and Friends, the afternoon of fabulous festive fun, proved to be a great success, with around 260 Ghirls lending their support.

Following a warm welcome by a green and white Santa Claus, and a cocktail on arrival courtesy of Perfect Parties, our Ghirls were introduced to hosting duo Lisa Hague and Kenny McKay, who both donated their time to support our fundraising efforts.

Following a few touching words from sponsor Mariessa Devlin of Enchanted Forest and Friends which focused on the importance of our Christmas Appeal to children and their families, all guests enjoyed a fabulous and festive three-course meal while magician Mark Gordon stunned with his bag of tricks.

After lunch, guests were treated to two live performances. First up was 20-year-old singer/songwriter Ryan Alexander who, with a bit of guest participation, sang a mix of his own tracks and popular covers. Next up was X-Factor star Nicholas McDonald and, as always, he wowed guests with his stunning voice and filled the dance floor.

The afternoon also included a festive DJ, gifts from Santa, Christmas stalls and an auction, silent auction and raffle featuring a plethora of outstanding prizes. It was a heart-warming occasion, celebrating all that is wonderful about the Celtic Family.

We also asked each gorgeous Ghirl to bring along a gift for a local child and were overwhelmed and humbled by the response. These will now be distributed to those who are sick or disadvantaged before the sleigh bells ring on Christmas Eve.  The beneficiary charities include Yorkhill Children’s Charity, Spirit Aid, Loaves & Fishes, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, Kids Out and Glasgow Women’s Aid.

Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation, said: “This was a magnificent day which will make a significant contribution to our 2015 Christmas Appeal. It was great to see so many of our female supporters pull out all the stops to help those who need it most.

“I would like to thank our sponsor – Enchanted Forest and Friends – Lisa, Kenny, Perfect Parties, Nicholas, Ryan, Mark, the DJ, Santa, all donors and every Ghirl who attended the lunch for the part they played in its success. Thanks also to the Catering Department at the club for delivering a fantastic menu and service as always.

“Collectively, they have followed the Celtic Way to help us give back this Christmas.”

The £11,000 raised at Ghirls for Good will support our 2015 Christmas Appeal which reflects the very essence of why our Club was set up back in 1887.  The Appeal aims to help 200 local families who face poverty and hardship and 10 charities who care for those experiencing the torment of homelessness or other disadvantage. Further details HERE

There’s still time to get behind the Appeal:

– Donate by Text – text ‘CELT07’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70070

– Donate Online – HERE

– Donate via Paypal  – Click HERE and simply use our email address to donate: [email protected] Quote/Ref: CA2015

– Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores

– Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow, G40 3RE.

– Take part in our Champion Challenge – HERE 

– Support our matchday bucket collection on Saturday, December 19

– Give as You Live via your Christmas shopping – HERE

Thank you for your wonderful support.