Soccer Aid Dinner 2008
On the 27th March, football stars, legends and managers and celebrities including Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Rafa Benitez, Ronnie Moran, Steve McManaman, Paddy McGuiness, Ray Quinn, Simon Rimmer and many more gathered at St Georges Hall for a glamorous, fun filled evening in support of Tsunami Soccer Aid.
Over 400 guests watched as the night began with an incredible performance from Sense of Sound, recent runners up of the BBC one show, Last Choir Standing, who opened the event on the steps of the magnificent venue.
Guests were entertained by Jim Bowen with a special edition of Bullseye. Jim, accompanied by the shows legendary voice Tony Green, played the game live on stage with three celebrity guests including; Steve McManaman, Simon Rimmer and comedian, Paddy McGuiness, who were paired with three unsuspecting guests from the audience.
As desserts were being removed from the table's guests were suprised and entertained by the "Three Waiters" disguised in Heathcote's uniforms, they caused havoc in the halls during service then burst into classical opera song to rapturous applause and napkin swinging from the crowd.
Ampersand organised the event on behalf of Tsunami Soccer Aid, the event was to celebrate the achievement of the Tsunami Soccer Aid celebrity football match on March 25th, 2005, which raised over £500,000 in response to the tragic events of the Asian Tsunami and to thank all those who made the event possible. Tsunami Soccer Aid's founder Jason McAteer, along with save the children, went to visit the area where the money that was donated from the event was spent, something that was very touchingly delivered via a DVD during the event.
"We are very proud to be part of the Tsunami Soccer Aid team. We are often asked to donate to charity, but never really see where or how our money is spent, Jasons trip and subsequent short film provided clear evidence of the superb work that has gone on in rebuilding communities as a result of the donation from Tsunami Soccer Aid. This was a proud night for everyone involved", Emma Blackmore, Managing Director, Ampersand.