West Ham Foundation Gala at Mansion House with Dame Langley

Key Points

• West Ham United Foundation, supported by headline sponsor Paragon and the Premier League, hosted its annual Gala Dinner & Awards at Mansion House.
• The event was hosted by the newly appointed Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, a lifelong West Ham supporter.
• Presented by former West Ham player and broadcaster Scott Minto.
• Guests enjoyed fine dining, live entertainment, and stories from participants transformed by the Foundation’s support.
• Celebrated the opening of the new community hub, The Foundry in Beckton, which will reach over 60,000 people yearly through 35 programmes.
• The Foundry is projected to deliver £75 million in social value in its first five years.

Who Hosted the Gala and What Made It Special?

As reported in the official West Ham United announcement, the event was hosted by Dame Susan Langley DBE, the newly appointed Lady Mayor of the City of London, who is a lifelong West Ham supporter. The historic Mansion House provided a fitting backdrop for the evening, which featured a programme of fine dining, live entertainment, and powerful stories from participants whose lives have been transformed through the Foundation’s support. Presented by Scott Minto, former West Ham player and broadcaster, the gala recognised the Foundation’s life-changing initiatives.

Dame Susan Langley DBE welcomed guests to the prestigious venue, emphasising the Foundation’s dedication to community impact. Scott Minto, with his deep ties to the club, guided the proceedings, ensuring a seamless blend of celebration and storytelling.

What Programmes Does the Foundation Offer?

The event spotlighted a year of major growth for the West Ham United Foundation, including the official opening of its new community hub, The Foundry in Beckton. According to the Foundation’s details, The Foundry will significantly increase the Club’s community footprint, enabling West Ham to reach more than 60,000 people each year via 35 dedicated programmes catering for all ages and backgrounds. These initiatives cater to diverse needs, from youth development to senior support, underscoring the Foundation’s broad reach.

The programmes encompass education, health, and social inclusion efforts, all designed to foster positive change in east London communities. The hub’s launch represents a transformative step in expanding these services.

How Will The Foundry Impact Local Communities?

The Foundry in Beckton stands as a major milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to local communities. Official projections state that the new community hub will deliver £75 million in social value in its first five years of operation. This substantial investment aims to amplify the Foundation’s ability to support vulnerable groups through targeted interventions.

By housing 35 programmes under one roof, The Foundry ensures efficient delivery of services that address immediate and long-term community needs. Its location in Beckton positions it ideally to serve east London’s diverse population.

Which Sponsors and Partners Supported the Event?

Headline sponsor Paragon, alongside the Premier League, played pivotal roles in making the Gala Dinner & Awards possible. Their support underscores the event’s status as a cornerstone of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Players, partners, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate these collaborations.

The involvement of such prominent backers highlights the shared vision between commercial entities and grassroots initiatives. Paragon’s headline sponsorship enabled the lavish setting and programme at Mansion House.

What Stories Were Shared During the Evening?

Guests heard powerful stories from participants whose lives have been transformed through the Foundation’s support. These testimonials formed the emotional core of the night, illustrating real-world impacts of the programmes. From personal journeys of overcoming adversity to community-wide successes, the narratives inspired attendees.

The stories aligned with the Foundation’s mission, showing tangible outcomes from interventions in education, wellbeing, and inclusion. Live entertainment complemented these accounts, maintaining an uplifting atmosphere.

Why Was Mansion House Chosen as the Venue?

The historic Mansion House, official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, provided a prestigious and symbolic setting for the gala. Its grandeur matched the significance of honouring the Foundation’s achievements. Hosted within its hallowed halls, the event elevated the profile of community work.

Choosing Mansion House also tied into the City of London’s traditions, with Dame Susan Langley’s role adding local prestige. The venue’s legacy enhanced the evening’s inspirational tone.

When Did the Event Take Place and What Milestones Were Celebrated?

The annual Gala Dinner & Awards returned as a key fixture in the Foundation’s calendar, coinciding with the opening of The Foundry. This timing allowed celebration of a year of expansion and achievement. The event marked another unforgettable milestone in the Foundation’s history.

Attendees reflected on progress made, from increased reach to enhanced facilities. The gala’s success sets the stage for future initiatives.

How Does This Event Fit into West Ham’s Community Legacy?

West Ham United Foundation’s work extends the club’s long-standing commitment to east London, with events like this gala reinforcing that bond. The Foundry’s launch expands this legacy, promising sustained impact. Supporters and leaders alike praised the holistic approach.

The evening’s fundraising element ensures resources for ongoing programmes. It exemplifies how football clubs can drive social good.

What Is the Projected Reach of The Foundry?

The new hub will enable the Club to reach more than 60,000 people each year. This figure represents a substantial uplift in service provision. Programmes will cater for all ages and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.

Over five years, the £75 million social value projection quantifies the long-term benefits. Metrics like these guide future expansions.

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

Dame Susan Langley DBE, as host, brought authority and passion to the proceedings. Scott Minto’s presentation skills engaged the audience effectively. Foundation leaders, players, and sponsors formed the core group.

Their collective involvement amplified the event’s message. Community beneficiaries also played crucial roles through their stories.