At Content Liverpool on Tuesday night, Everton in the Community held its first Blue Heart Awards, honouring the vital core of its life-changing work.
The prestigious event, sponsored by Causeway Technologies, recognised Everton in the Community participants, volunteers, and fundraisers from across the charity’s 60+ programmes and initiatives. Important strategic partners including the Premier League Charitable Fund, Merseyside Police, and Steve Morgan Foundation were also in attendance with award categories of their own.
The Blues’ official charity also welcomed former heavyweight boxing champion and well-known Evertonian Tony Bellew as the evening’s special guest, who reflected on the night:
“It’s been a fantastic evening and one that I’m incredibly proud to have been a part of. Everton in the Community is a wonderful charity that gives back so immensely to the local community and tonight has been about giving people the recognition that they deserve. It’s been so heartwarming to see people get their awards this evening and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Hosted by Giulia Bould and Sarah Halpin, a total of 15 awards with gold, silver and bronze winners were handed out on the night, with awards such as Volunteer of the Year, Community Impact and Team of the Year (Sport and Non-Sporting) and Special Achievement Award which was presented by Everton Ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart. The night culminated with the CEO Award, chosen by Chief Executive Officer Sue Gregory, which recognised Safe Hands participant Jai who, with the support of EitC staff, has turned his life around and developed into a confident young leader.
Speaking about his pride in receiving the top award of the evening, Jai said:
“Everton in the Community is fantastic, they have changed my life for the better. Everything they have done for me is amazing and I couldn’t ask for more. Being recognised is good but it’s weird – it’s every emotion at the same time.
When I first engaged with Everton I never would have been able to do this and stand up on that stage, but I’m so proud of myself and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to do this. Everton have set me up for the future perfectly and all I can say is thank you.”
And Sue spoke of her pride on a night which saw almost 400 people come together to celebrate the very best of what Everton in the Community has to offer:
“This is our first ever Blue Heart Awards and it’s been amazing to celebrate our participants, staff and partners. I’ve felt so proud tonight and it’s been a great night to stand still and reflect on the incredible achievements of our participants and recognise their successes; they’re so inspirational.
“Without our strategic partners we wouldn’t be able to have the impact that we do in our community, they support us day in day out. They understand the needs that we have in our community and they’re right behind us.”
“I’d like to place our thanks on record to our Headline Sponsor Causeway Technologies for helping us to make our vision for tonight a reality and also to Tony Bellew for his support on the night.”
Former Blues star and Causeway Ambassador Trevor Steven was also in attendance to present the Sponsors Awards and he echoed Sue’s sentiments:
“Tonight’s event brought about a great deal of pride, but it was also very emotional. What I loved about it was that we are brought so many people together in one room and that’s what Everton in the Community does; it looks after everyone and encourages us to look after each other. Tonight is a pure celebration of that and I think it’s great to recognise all of the efforts that people have made over the last year. We look forward to the next 12 months. This was the inaugural event, and we are delighted to have been Headline Sponsor at Causeway and hopefully we can do it again.”
Everton in the Community would like to also place its thanks on record to Print Partner Oriel Studios, Awards Partner Wild Thang, Parkgate Fish & Chips and Content Liverpool.
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