Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) has thanked everyone who attended the ITRM-sponsored 1998 Play-Off Final 20th Anniversary Charity Dinner on Sunday 9 December, following the announcement of the total amount raised on the night.
Hosted by CACT Ambassador Steve Sutherland, the event raised £13,500 for the charity – vital funds that will ensure that it continues to grow and to make a real difference to the lives of people across South East London and Kent.
Alan Curbishley, Mark Kinsella, Saša Ili? and John Robinson took part in a Q&A on stage, while Steve Jones, Mark Bright, Mark Bowen, Phil Chapple, Kevin Lisbie, Paul Mortimer, Keith Peacock and Les Reed were the other representatives from 1997-98 in attendance.
Mark Bowen said:
“There are a good few of the lads I hadn’t seen for many, many years.
“As soon as you see each other, you’re catching up on old times. The sort of bond you create – even on that day – but certainly through that season never leaves you.”
Hosted by Adger Brown, the auction alone raised more than £11,000 for CACT’s work in the community.
Attendees also watched a video message from hat-trick hero Clive Mendonca, edited by Bream Team’s Dan Bream, who also produced several very emotive video presentations shown on the night.
CACT’s Principal Partner, ITRM sponsored the event itself as well as a table for the Charlton Upbeats, CACT's Down's syndrome football team, while U&I plc kindly made it possible for a group of representatives from the Reminiscence Group to attend the Dinner.
CACT would also like to thank Dickie Davis (Sky Sports), Vince Pemberton (Rivervale Car Leasing), Saša Ili?, Lee Bowyer, Keith Peacock, Alan Curbishley, Paul Statham, Sir Stuart Etherington, Carol Elliott Smith and the EFL for kindly donating items for the auction.
Keith Peacock also played a key role in organising the event. Audio Visual and technical support on the night was provided by ML Executives.