Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez and wife Montse hosted a charity dinner to raise money for a day care centre for the elderly.
The event, which was held at Anfield, raised £41,000 for Hoylake Cottage and was attended by ten of the first team players including Jamie Carragher, Lucas, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Pepe Reina.
An auction included customised and signed boots donated by Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, a Carlsberg-donated LFC shirt signed by the team and Rafa and a morning watching the players train at Melwood, followed by lunch with Rafa Benitez and Sammy Lee in Rafa’s private dining room.
Hoylake Cottage head of fundraising, Helen Latham, said: “I am thrilled that the players joined Rafa and Montse to back our fundraising appeal. It was a fantastic occasion and really exciting for all those attending.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped to give the appeal such a huge boost. In particular I am very grateful to Montse Benitez, without whose support this event would not have happened.”
Montse Benitez chairs Hoylake Cottage’s fundraising committee, which is behind a £1.5 million appeal to build a new day care centre for older people.
Mrs Benitez said: “Older people deserve to be cared for in the very best surroundings and at Hoylake Cottage there is an urgent need to improve the facilities. I am delighted that the club and players have been able to help the appeal for a new day care centre.”
More than 260 guests attended and the dinner was sponsored by Boodles, Liverpool FC, Nortelco, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Ten Square Hotel.
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