The Gunners were out in force on Thursday night for the club’s annual fundraiser for the Arsenal Foundation.
- The event was hosted by comedian (and Gooner) Matt Lucas
- Players and fans smashed last year’s total
- Mertesacker led first team on stage
- Ozil and Alexis were both in attendance
- Funds will go towards helping local area of Islington as well as nations in need
Per Mertesacker led almost all of Arsenal’s first team, including the likes of Mesut Ozil, Petr Cech, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and even the lesser spotted Santi Cazorla and Yaya Sanogo, out on stage during the fundraiser.
https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/865273499757293570
Last year, the annual event, which sees a mix of players and fans raise funds for the Arsenal Foundation by bidding on certain Arsenal-related items and experiences, raised £385,000. However, this year, a staggering £464,841 was donated.
Great night with the @AFC_Foundation fundraising for worthy and inspiring causes #NightToInspire pic.twitter.com/bojLG1kvL7
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) May 18, 2017
Wanna go behind the scenes at @AFC_Foundation's #NightToInspire?
Check it all out on @Snapchat by adding OfficialAFC pic.twitter.com/pzeTDsTnGS
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 18, 2017
Items included a private dinner with Arsene Wenger, which sold for £24,000; the chance for a fan to be pictured in next season’s team photo, which eventually went for £5,500; and a round of foot golf with the Ox (£2,800).
https://twitter.com/AFC_Foundation/status/865291491966636032
I’ve Seen How @AFC_Foundation Supports Young People To Achieve Their Dreams. That Is What Tonight Is All About #NightToInspire pic.twitter.com/GiicAo7Swh
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) May 18, 2017
We're in great company tonight with Arsène Wenger @RealMattLucas and @BobWilsonBWSC #NightToInspire pic.twitter.com/coqhsVn9EF
— TheArsenalFoundation (@AFC_Foundation) May 18, 2017
Interestingly, the Daily Mail claim that Alexis didn’t attend Arsenal’s ‘A Night to Inspire’ amid speculation that he’s leaving this summer. However, as you can see, he was very much there.