01 Oct HUDDERSFIELD TOWN FOUNDATION BALL RAISES £60,000!

Posted at 11:20h in Foundation News, Trust Fund by

The Huddersfield Town Foundation (HTF) hosted a hugely successful fundraising event, supported by Pure Business Group, on Friday 27 September 2019. 

The event which took place at The Woodman Inn, Thunderbridge, entertained over 120 guests in the spectacular marquee and raised an incredible amount of money that with benefit the Town Foundation and the ‘Early Kick-Off’ Breakfast Clubs.

Throughout the evening, guests raised £60,000 that will make a massive difference to people in the community.

Special guest, Colin Quaner, Huddersfield Town First Team forward, turned up to surprise and meet and greet attendees of the Foundation Ball. Guests were handed a glass of fizz on arrival before posing in front of the flower wall in the private drinks’ reception.

Guests were encouraged to try the one-of-a-kind ‘Foundation Gin Fizz’ which The Woodman Inn had specially created for the event and donated all proceeds from the cocktail to the HTF.

Attendees were invited to take their seats in the marquee with a call-to-dinner at 7.30pm, with each individual guest receiving a Foundation Ball Brochure and a special thank you card which had been personally made from some of the children who benefit from the Foundation’s work in our community.

Marsden Junior School opened the evening with a selection of their Premier League Primary Stars Big Chant songs. After their performance the children introduce the compere for the evening, Kate Hardcastle MBE.

Kate has added her unique brand of knowledgeable commentary to hundreds of interviews & documentaries for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky News and Radio channels BBC 2, BBC 4, BBC 5 Live and commercial stations. Kate was honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018 and was the recipient of the Prime Ministers Point of Light Award.

Huddersfield-born Kate opened the evening by honouring Huddersfield and spoke of the pleasure in being asked to be a part of the fabulous event. Kate thanked everyone for attending and supporting the event before giving a special thanks to the Ball’s supporters, Pure Business Group, Magic Rock Brewing, See It Now Sports, Banana Kick and Swooshed Event Production.

Siobhan Atkinson, Foundation Chief Executive, took to the stage to enlighten attendees on some of the incredible work the Foundation is currently undertaking and issues they are tackling in our local community.

The fun-filled evening began with a game of heads and tails with the winner receiving a magnum of prosecco!

An exclusive reveal of the HTF new campaign ‘Terrier in Me’ was uncovered with the first-viewing of the heart-wrenching promotional video of the HTF. The film was incredibly received by the attendees with an outstanding applauds to the Foundation’s work afterwards.

Kate invited the three participants of the film on-stage to join her – Holly Marie-Ann Owen, Tom O’Neill and Cryus Rowe. Each participant gave a short speech on the help they have received from the HTF before giving important reasons as to why we need people to donate to this fantastic charity to continue the community work.

Phil Hodgkinson, Huddersfield Town Chairman, then joined Kate on stage to speak exclusively to the Foundation Ball attendees about the charity and his commitment to continue working and supporting the HTF.

Huddersfield Town Commercial Director and HTF trustee, Sean Jarvis, was invited on stage to host the Ball’s live auction. The HTF had a variety of one-of-a-kind auction prizes which has been donated to the charity including:

  • A round of golf with Tommy Elphick & Alex Pritchard, with two golf bags donated by Phil Hodgkinson
  • A chef’s experience kindly donated and facilitated at The Woodman Inn for up to 16 guests
  • A Mustang to drive for the weekend donated by Trust Ford
  • Two tickets and travel to the Britain’s Got Talent Final donated by ITV and Grand Central
  • Matchday experience with Huddersfield Town’s club photographer donated by John Early
  • Guided tour on Coronation Street by directors and actors
  • Signed print by Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team mates
  • Castle Hill painting and artist masterclass with Richard Gower personally donated
  • Travel and overnight stay with the Huddersfield Town first-team to the Swansea fixture
  • Two boardroom and directors box tickets to Huddersfield Town versus Leeds United fixture
  • Owen Scott bespoke tailored suit donated by Scott Hufton
  • Signed Patrick Stewart American Dad dressing gown donated by Patrick himself
  • Lunch and a penalty shoot-out master class with Christopher Schindler

The auction received an incredible response from attendees with The Woodman, Patrick Stewart, Richard Gower and Scott Hufton generously donating two of their auction prizes to ensure no one left disappointed and further funds were raised for the HTF.

A silent auction facilitated by See It Now Sports was also present at the Ball with lots of sports memorabilia and experiences available.

The event concluded with a DJ and disco with the entertainment sponsor, Magic Rock Brewing, selecting the first 10 songs which included the Huddersfield Town fan-favourite ‘Micheal Hefele’ song!

Lisa Bottomley, Fundraising Coordinator for the HTF, commented:

“I am overwhelmed with the generosity of supporters to raise such a significant amount to help our local community at this event.

“I am thrilled with the success of the first-ever Huddersfield Town Foundation Ball and the positive response received from all attendees.

“It truly was a fantastic night!”