Celtic Park’s Kerrydale Suite played host to another wonderful Celtic FC Foundation Annual Sporting Dinner on Thursday night, as a magnificent net total in the region of £120,000 was raised.

The event, which was sponsored for a fourth successive year by David McDonald Financial Services, was a full house, with around 470 guests in attendance and, as always, there was tremendous support provided throughout for our Live Auction, Silent Auction and Prize Draw.

And the Club’s men’s and women’s teams once again got right behind our efforts, as guests were treated to Q&A sessions with first-team players Adam Idah, Luke McCowan, Saoirse Noonan and Abi Harrison, as well as Celtic men’s and women’s team managers, Brendan Rodgers and Elena Sadiku.

We also heard from two Celtic greats – John Hartson and Paul Elliott – who wowed the room with insights from their playing days with Celtic and beyond.

The main beneficiary of the funds generated through the Sporting Dinner will be our Paradise Pit Stop project.

Through this vital initiative, our doors here at Celtic Park are now open every Monday and Thursday evening, between 5pm-7pm and every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, from 12noon-2pm, offering a free warm meal and a selection of hot and soft drinks in the comfort of our lounge.

We were delighted to also be joined last night by Liam Kenny, who has been involved in a number of Foundation initiatives, including Paradise Pit Stop.

Liam told his very emotional and inspiring story, highlighting how pivotal the support received from the Foundation has been for him and his young family.

Speaking after the event, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “Once again, the Sporting Dinner has been a massive success, with a truly incredible level of generosity shown by everyone in attendance.

"The funds raised last night will play a vital part, as we continue to deliver a range of projects to support those most in need. Paradise Pit Stop has become a real lifeline for many within our community.

“I’d like to express a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this event and once again made it such a great success, including David McDonald Financial Services, Brendan Rodgers, Elena Sadiku and members of the Men’s team and Women’s team, John Hartson, Paul Elliott, Liam Kenny, everyone who donated prizes, Magners (who generously provided a complimentary drink for all guests), Bell and Bain (who kindly donated the event printed materials), our Sporting Dinner Committee and of course, each and every guest in attendance for their tremendous backing.”

Celtic Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson, added: “The Sporting Dinner is a key event in the Foundation’s fundraising calendar and is always a marvellous occasion.

"Once again, the support provided on the night was simply outstanding and, on behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to express our great thanks. This will make a difference to the lives of so many.”

Celtic FC Foundation's Sporting Dinner raises a magnificent £120k