EitC Philanthropists Join Everton's Director of Football At First 1878 Community Club Event

A group of philanthropists committed to supporting Everton in the Community and its life-changing work came together recently to mark the charity’s first 1878 Community Club event where they had the opportunity to hear from senior figures from both Everton Football Club and the charity.   

Taking place within the intimate setting of Michelin Guide-rated restaurant Belzan, members of the philanthropic Community Club enjoyed an exclusive Q&A session with Everton Football Club Director of Football Kevin Thelwell who spoke at length about his time at the Club to date and provided an insight into his role and his strategy behind the development of Everton’s footballing talent. 

Everton in the Community’s 1878 Community Club is an exclusive network of supporters who are passionate about preserving the life-changing work of the charity and are invested in supporting the continued growth of the Club’s charitable arm. 

Guests also had the opportunity to hear from Everton in the Community CEO Sue Gregory who updated them on the launch of the charity’s new five-year strategy, the Trinity Project, which will see EitC work to deliver stronger communities and brighter futures across Liverpool City Region under three powerful pillars. Charity chief Gregory also provided an update into the Goodison Park Legacy Project which will see Everton in the Community work to transform L4 once the Club has moved to its new waterfront stadium.  

The delicious menu saw invited guests enjoy a three-course lunch which included Belzan’s signature dish, Guiness rarebit potato with braised ox cheek before the team behind the Smithdown Road establishment gave an insight into their growth over the last five years and their recent achievement of entering The Michelin Guide. 

Funds gifted through the 1878 Community Club will be channelled towards supporting Everton in the Community’s core programme costs, helping to protect the sustainability of EitC by projecting a stable and dependable income whilst also contributing towards the development of the Goodison Park Legacy. 

Reflecting on the event, Everton in the Community’s Director of Income Generation Andy Duff said: “It was fantastic to bring founding members of the 1878 Community Club together to enjoy an intimate event at Belzan and provide them with an insight into how the charity plans to grow and develop thanks to their valued support. This philanthropic proposition is vital to the sustainability of EitC and I’d like to thank Kevin for giving up his time to join us on the day in support of our work.” 

Leaders in Sport Founder and CEO and 1878 Community Club member Jimmy Worrall added: “As a loyal Evertonian, I’ve been a supporter of Everton in the Community for a number of years as I truly appreciate the impact the charity has across Liverpool City Region and beyond.  

“The 1878 Community Club is a great way to bring together like-minded philanthropists who are all committed to helping fund the further development of this wonderful charity and I look forward to seeing what we can all achieve together over the coming years.” 

The inaugural 1878 Community Club lunch at Belzan is just part of what supporters receive as part of their membership as well as an exclusive welcome gift including a bespoke shirt designed by the Club’s official kit manufacturer, the opportunity to visit the EitC Community Campus to see the charity’s work first-hand and an invitation to two events a year.  

To find out more about 1878 Community Club please visit evertonfc.com/1878 or email Everton in the Community’s Senior Development Manager Holly Tyrer on holly.tyrer@evertonfc.com