Celtic FC Foundation hosted its annual New York Gala Dinner in Manhattan last night (Thursday) and it was a resounding success, raising a staggering net total in the region of $355,000.

Returning to the stunning Cipriani 25 Broadway for the second consecutive year, the event was attended by around 350 guests, including businesses, individuals and representatives from local Celtic Supporters’ Clubs in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Dallas.

The Gala was, once again, sponsored by Avolon.

Hosted by Hugo Straney, the evening kicked off with a Celtic FC Foundation welcome and vote of thanks from Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton. Tony then welcomed one of our special sporting guests, Henrik Larsson to join him on stage for a fantastic Q&A.

The King of Kings spoke of his love for the Club and some of his greatest memories during his time in the Hoops.

This was then followed by an outstanding performance of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Celtic supporter, acclaimed Tenor, and star of the Metropolitan Opera, Barry Banks, which saw the entire room on their feet, with scarves aloft.

Next up was Chair of the Gala Dinner Committee, Irishman Paul Geaney, a New York-based Celtic supporter who is President & Chief Commercial Officer at Avolon Aerospace.

Together with the other members of the Committee, Paul worked tirelessly to deliver a successful event for the Foundation, and it wouldn’t have been possible without their efforts.

Paul concluded his segment with a presentation to the evening’s Business Honoree, Dermot Desmond.

In his acceptance speech, Celtic’s majority shareholder spoke of his immense pride in the Club’s continued commitment to its charitable heritage, his love for Celtic and his desire to bring further success.

Following dinner, Barry Banks returned with a sensational performance of Nessun Dorma, before Hugo was joined on stage by our other special sporting guest, current Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers.

In an insightful and entertaining Q&A, the Manager spoke of some of his favourite memories with Celtic, his future aspirations for the Club and his excitement around returning Stateside with the team for the US tour this summer.

We were also joined at the Gala by another two Celtic greats – Roy Aitken and George McCluskey – and we are very grateful for their attendance and support.

Pat Tully then hosted the Live Auction and Pledge Drive in his own inimitable style, and this segment of the evening also included a touching and compelling video piece from Stephanie Drew, whose family has benefitted greatly from Celtic FC Foundation’s support.

And then it was time to welcome Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh and Gregor Philp of legendary Scottish band, Deacon Blue on stage for a sensational live set and they didn’t disappoint guests, as it included classic tracks like Dignity, Real Gone Kid and Chocolate Girl.

The formal proceedings were rounded off, as they always are for the Foundation in New York, by a live set from Liam McGrandles.

Funds raised at the Gala will allow the Foundation to continue its work in the city for another year, as well as supporting existing project delivery in Glasgow and in Ireland, to assist vulnerable children, young people and adults.

This will include our partnership initiatives with Children’s Aid and Coalition for the Homeless in New York, Paradise Pit Stop in Glasgow and Community Games plus Ability Counts delivery in Ireland.

Gala Committee Chair, Paul Geaney said: “It’s been another wonderful Gala at Cipriani Downtown and I am incredibly grateful to the team at the Foundation and my fellow Committee members for their magnificent efforts.

“The net fundraising total of $355K is outstanding and is due to the incredible kindness and generosity of every single individual and organisation who has played their part.

"Most importantly, this will have a substantial impact on the Foundation’s work in New York, Glasgow and Ireland as they strive to support children, young people and adults who are vulnerable.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to Dermot, Ricky, Lorraine and Gregor, Brendan, Henrik, Barry, Liam, Pat and Hugo for being with us and for helping make it such a magical night.

“Having helped found this Dinner and being its Chair since launch, I feel immensely proud of our achievements tonight and also across the period from the first event in 2018, through which we have raised $3.5million to support the work of the Foundation.

"My role in the Gala has been one of the proudest experiences of my life and, as I step back and others take up the mantle, I have every faith the event will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, commented: “This was our fifth year in New York and we wouldn’t have gotten past the first one, had it not been for the Gala Dinner Committee, who help us sell this event.

“My sincere thanks to each of them - we are very lucky to have such backing. We’re also very grateful to the masses of Celtic Supporters’ Clubs and others who buy tables and places for the Gala. We wouldn’t do what we do without the Celtic supporters in New York or anywhere else.

“Finally, many thanks to Dermot Desmond, Brendan Rodgers and Henrik Larsson, and, of course, to all of our partners.”

Michael Nicholson, Celtic’s Chief Executive and Foundation Trustee, added: “Thank you to everyone involved in this year’s New York Gala. All those who attended and supported on the night contributed to a fantastic Celtic evening, and the money raised will help Celtic FC Foundation continue to help others in the USA, in Glasgow and in Ireland.

“I would like to thank Paul Geaney for the crucial role he has played in the success of the New York Gala since its inception.

"We are delighted to learn that the date for next year’s Gala (Thursday, March 20) is in the diary already, and we all look forward to working with the Gala Committee for the continued success of this important event.”

We would like to thank Dermot Desmond, Brendan Rodgers, Henrik Larsson, Roy Aitken, George McCluskey, Paul Geaney and our Committee, Avolon, every table and ticket holder, our local Celtic Supporters’ Clubs, those who donated prizes for the auctions and William Grant & Sons for complimentary Tullamore Dew whiskey on each table, Barry Banks, Liam McGrandles, Pat Tully and our host, Hugo Straney.

Please don’t ever underestimate the difference you have made.

Celtic FC Foundation turns New York green and white