It was an evening full of positivity in The View at Vicarage Road Stadium on Thursday 21st March, as supporters, patrons, staff, partners, and Watford FC stars came together to celebrate Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust.
Attendees included Watford FC’s Interim Head Coach Tom Cleverley and Technical Consultant Jimmy Gilligan, as well Club Captain Wesley Hoedt, Jake Livermore, and Daniel Bachmann. Hornets playing past was also well-represented with Nigel Gibbs, Kenny Jackett, Steve Palmer, Ian Bolton, and Lloyd Doyley. Completing the Watford FC line-up was Ann Swanson and Trust patrons The Taylor Family. Notably, Dean Russell MP, as well as Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, and Deputy Mayor Aga Dychton were also in attendance.
Guests at the Trust’s Gala Dinner enjoyed a drinks reception, a three-course meal, and live entertainment, courtesy of local singer Big Mama Funk accompanied by talented musician Harry T Pope. Michael Kurn took on the hosting duties, with Community Director Rob Smith also speaking with the audience about the impact the Trust has on its community.
Running for only the second time, this charity dinner is not only a celebration of the Trust’s work over the last year, but it also raises vital funds for their continued community work, through ticket sales, on-the-night raffles, and the launch of an auction which closes on Saturday 30th March. Click here to bid.
As part of the evening, the Trust Champions Awards are also presented to individuals who have engaged and benefitted from the community work of the Trust, inspiring others along the way. Winners were nominated and selected by the Trust’s staff. A table sponsorship from Watford Supporters Trust ensured the Trust was able to invite all winners to enjoy the evening. See below the list of winners:
- Ellie – Sustainability Champion, sponsored by Noble Foods
- Raymond – Football Champion, sponsored by Watford FC
- Ezi – Community Champion (Youth), sponsored by MCF Contracts
- Oscar – Education Champion (Under 11), sponsored by Atria Watford
- Jit Mistry – Volunteer Champion, sponsored by Abbey Roofing
- Alex – Education Champion (11+), sponsored by Levy
- Saeed Nazir – Fundraising Champion, sponsored by Rocket Graphics
- Amanda Hadley – Community Champion (Adult), sponsored by Noble Foods
- Jolomi Nanna – Physical Health Champion, sponsored by One YMCA
- Kate Lewers – Equality Champion, sponsored by Metro Printing
- Paul Collins – Mental Health Champion, sponsored by One Vision
- Geoff Wicken – Overall Trust Champion, sponsored by Mercer & Hole
All winners were rightly acknowledged and applauded on the night, as they collected their trophies on the stage. Once all formalities and presentations were complete, guests took to the dancefloor as Big Mama Funk once again provided the soundtrack in the hospitality lounge at the home of Watford FC.
if you’d like to be involved in the Trust’s next Gala Dinner, or any of their other fundraising events, please contact leah.crocket@watfordfc.com.
