Tim Howard: Everton Goalkeeper Has Valentine's Day Date with Diehard Fan

Diehard Everton Blues fan Catherine Smith figured it wasn't a bad idea to donate to charity with the chance of scoring a date with Blues goalkeeper Tim Howard.

If only we all were so opportunistic.

Smith, 21, won lunch with Howard on Valentine's Day after her name was picked in a drawing where people donated to the Blues’ official charity, Everton in the Community.

Smith said on Tuesday, via the Blues' official Web site:

"

I saw the competition on Everton’s Facebook page and thought even if I didn’t win then the money is going towards a great cause, so I decided to enter.

"

Fans were encouraged to donate £10 to be entered into the drawing. At the same time, they'd be funding a trip to the Inca Trail for four Everton employees, who will set out in May to raise £35,000 for the community.

Howard added:

"

It’s a great cause and the players are always up for doing things like that as Everton in the Community is special to us as players and as a Club. I loved it.

"

The 32-year-old apparently made quite the impression on Smith, who said her lunch date with Howard was mighty pleasant:

"

It was great! The food was lovely and Tim is just so nice and really easy to speak to.

"

The Everton employees will be joined by Blues fans Mark O’Connor, Nicola Smallbones, Neil MacKenzie and Peter Shields, as they set out to Cusco and make their way through the Andes mountains to Machu Picchu.

Everton hasn't been feeling much love this season, currently in 10th place in the Premier League.

But Valentine's Day has a way of lightening the heart.