Lee Peck Media was a key sponsor for the gala charity ball organised by its client Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ (BDW) Southampton division, which raised a breathtaking £110,000 for the Saints Foundation.
More than 400 guests raised the roof at St Mary’s Stadium, the home of Southampton FC, in the company of former Saints manager Gordon Strachan who took the club to its last FA Cup Final in 2003.
Hosted by comedian and DJ Russ Williams, the housebuilder’s annual charity ball was reinstated after being cancelled last year due to COVID and proved to be a huge hit with guests who were treated to entertainment, a sports quiz and raffle and a life auction
A live auction included Saints shirts signed by Strachan, who gave the club its best FA run for almost 30 years. The raffle included tickets to the Mayflower Theatre with drinks and VIP tickets to the Showcase cinema in WestQuay with an overnight stay at the Harbour Hotel.
Donations were made throughout the night via the “Make a Pledge” QR Code on the back of the programme. As well as the quiz, there was a Q&A with Strachan and a few words on the BDW Saints Ability project, which provides regular football and life skills sessions for disabled young people and adults, giving them the opportunity to socialise and the confidence to lead more independent lives.
The projects is spearheaded by BDW Finance Director, Glen O’Nion, who said: “Earlier this year, BDW Southampton contributed £10,000 to the Saints Ability project and we’ve seen firsthand how those sessions are incredibly important. Not only to they encourage physical activity, but crucially, they also provide opportunities to socialise – which is all the more important as we all recover from this difficult time. We know the donations raised this evening will make a huge difference.”
The leading UK housebuilder has made Saints Foundation its nominated Charity of the Year for 2020 and 2021, and has pledged to continue its fundraising activities in 2022.
Working in partnership with the premier league club, Saints Foundation helps local people fulfil their potential and become healthier and empowered members of the community.
Jon Green, Managing Director of BDW Southampton Division, said: “After what has been a challenging 18 months, BDW Southampton wanted to toast the future partnership, while also reminding everyone how important the charity’s work is to local people and the community.
“We’ve worked with the Saints Foundation for a long time and look forward to continuing our relationship into 2022. We’ve seen first hand the work they do in the community and we’re pleased to be able to contribute such a significant sum.”
Saints Foundation looks after several projects in the region, which are transforming the lives of many people in the community.
For more information about Barratt Homes, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk. To find out more about David Wilson Homes, please visit www.dwh.co.uk.
To learn more about the Saints Foundation visit: https://www.southamptonfc.com/saints-foundation
Pictured (L-R): Ex Saints manager Gordon Strachey and host Russ Williams