The charity's patron is the Duchess of Edinburgh[2] and the Chief executive officer is Lesley Spuhler OBE.

[4] The foundation was initially supported with funding from Sunderland A.F.C., Northern Rock and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The event was produced by Tim Rice and included music performances from Thomas Allen, former Animals member Alan Price, and Sunderland based band The Futureheads.

[7] Readings were performed by SAFC Foundation Trustee and former player Niall Quinn, in addition to other sports and media celebrities including journalist Kate Adie, and presenter Steve Cram.

[11] After purchasing the club in May 2018, Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald joined the Foundation of Light board of trustees on 11 October 2018.