DP World Charity Dinner raises £57k for Saints Foundation
A legendary show of support from Rickie Lambert, James Beattie and Francis Benali helped propel the dinner to an incredible fundraising total.
The second ever DP World Southampton Charity Dinner played out in fashion at St Mary’s Stadium last Friday (20 October), with guests from the shipping industry coming together in support of Saints Foundation.
With guests giving generously to both fundraising games and live and silent auctions, the dinner raised an incredible £57,000 – vital funds which Saints Foundation will use to help people in Southampton live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.
It’s the latest in a series of amazing support DP World has offered to the Foundation. In the last 9 months, 58 of the company’s staff have volunteered their time at their older adults exercise programme Senior Saints, amounting to an amazing 69 hours of support. Employees have also taken part in a variety of the charity’s fundraising challenges, including Benali On Tour, the Big Bike Challenge and the recent Big Saints Skydive with James Beattie.
Last week’s charity dinner brings the total fundraised for Saints Foundation by DP World Southampton over the past few years to an incredible total of £87,000.
Jazz Bhatti, Head of Fundraising & Partnerships at Saints Foundation, said: “What a night! We’re so grateful to DP World Southampton and all the guests at Friday’s dinner for supporting us so generously.
“This total is magnificent, especially during these difficult times for people and businesses. We’ll use it to help people facing some of life’s biggest challenges, with the aim of making Southampton a thriving city for everyone.”
Mark Hooper, Director – Business Development at DP World Southampton, said: “The evening was a huge success and we are proud to be a corporate patron of the Foundation. It is incredible what Saints Foundation do within the local community, and through various fundraising events and DP World Southampton staff volunteering, we trust that we are making a difference to those who need it.
“A big thank you to our customers, not just by attending our Charity Dinner but through their generous fundraising on the night, and finally everyone from Saints Foundation, who change local people’s lives on a daily basis by their dedication, patience and support.”
The charity dinner saw Saints Women’s brightest new talent Emily Kraft and Emma Thompson take to the stage for a Q&A with host Mike Osman, celebrating a bright start to their season that sees their side sitting top of the Women’s Championship.
Club legends Rickie Lambert and James Beattie followed with reflections on their time as Saints’ star strikers, while Saints Foundation ambassador Franny Benali spoke about the importance of the charity’s work in the community.
The room also heard about the powerful work being delivered in Southampton’s secondary schools, with Saints Foundation Community Champion James Campbell sharing how one of his pupils has boosted her wellbeing and aspirations with his support.
