The Foundation of Hearts has announced a day of celebration after members and owners raised £20 million for the fan-owned majority shareholders, with Hearts Fc supporters to be recognised at Tynecastle on Saturday 21 March when Dundee are the visitors.
Hearts Fc Foundation Day Plans
The Foundation have designated Saturday 21 March as Foundation Day, with a full programme of activities to be rolled out around the home match against Dundee. The celebration will recognise the fan contributions that the statement described as “a quite staggering £20 million” raised by members through monthly direct debits and donations.
How The £20m Was Framed By The Foundation And Club
A Foundation statement placed the fundraising in stark terms: “In the pantheon of glorious achievements which football supporters worldwide have recorded on behalf of their clubs, surely very few can match the milestone reached this month by members of the Foundation of Hearts (FoH). As of March this year, these supporters have contributed a quite staggering £20 million to FoH, the majority shareholders of Heart of Midlothian. It’s a figure worth repeating. £20 million. “
The statement added that the supporters’ long-term pledges “have become a core element of the culture of the club and one which played a significant role in attracting entrepreneur Tony Bloom to invest. ” It said the commitment has “laid a foundation for growth and success on and off the pitch” and described the sum as “an outstanding legacy for future generations. “
Why The Milestone Matters For The Club
The announcement comes in a pivotal season for the team, with Derek McInnes’ side described as “in the midst of a title charge” as they pursue the club’s first top-flight honour since 1960. The context of recent investment was noted in the Foundation statement, which referenced Brighton chairman Bloom putting close to £10 million into Hearts and credited fan efforts in helping secure that influence.
Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay commented on the achievement: “We’re at the stage now where we’re beginning to run out of superlatives to describe our supporters, but this latest announcement is somewhat breathtaking. What the fans of this football club are doing, and have done since day one, is nothing short of magnificent. To have raised £20million in contributions is simply sensational. “
The club and the Foundation emphasised that reaching the £20 million mark will not lead to any drop-off in commitment, saying supporters’ pledges are “for life – the life of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. ” Further details of the Foundation Day activities are to be announced in the coming days.
