Published:
American Ireland Fund 2008 New York Gala Raises Over $3.5 Million
NEW YORK, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,300 guests gathered last
evening at the American Ireland Fund's 33rd Annual New York Gala at the Tent
at Lincoln Center to honor acclaimed Irish actor Liam Neeson and renowned Wall
Street leader and philanthropist, Lewis L. Glucksman, who passed away in 2006.
The event raised over $3.5 million for important projects inIreland,
including a $1 million gift to PeacePlayers International, an organization
that brings Catholic and Protestant children inNorthern Ireland together
through the neutral sport of basketball.
A native ofNorthern Ireland, Liam Neeson, accompanied by his wife,
actress Natasha Richardson, received the 2008 Performing Arts Award. The AIF
honored Mr. Neeson at this year's event for his contribution to film and
theatre over the past 30 years, and for the friendship and support he has
shown The American Ireland Fund through the time he has volunteered to help
promote its mission.
Commenting on the honor he received, Liam Neeson said, "Enormous strides
have been made in my nativeNorthern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated
by political, social and economic changes that came about through a
combination of courage, generosity and persistence. The American Ireland Fund
has been instrumental in investing in some of the deeper social changes that
are needed and has tirelessly supported peace, education, the arts and
reconciliation projects on the island ofIreland. I am proud to have been able
to play a part in the American Ireland Fund's efforts and am honored to be
part of the continuing transition underway inIreland."
Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of the American Ireland Funds,
accepted the 2008 Humanitarian Award on behalf of her husband, the late Lewis
L. Glucksman, renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist. The AIF
posthumously honored Mr. Glucksman for his tireless dedication toIreland.
Throughout his life he helped to raise funds for many of the peace and
educational initiatives of the AIF; promoted reconciliation inNorthern
Ireland; reached out to those excluded from the benefits of the Celtic Tiger
in theRepublic of Ireland; and supported Irish arts. His devotion inspired
the creation with his wife, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, of a Center for Irish
Studies at NYU, a vision realized with the establishment of Glucksman Ireland
House in 1993.
Former Irish international rugby star, Trevor Ringland, accepted a $1
million donation from the AIF on behalf of PeacePlayers International in
Northern Ireland. PeacePlayers uses the neutral game of basketball to address
sectarianism challenges and foster mutual respect and tolerance by enabling
Catholic and Protestant children to play the game together. Basketball, unlike
traditional sports inNorthern Ireland, is not affiliated with either
community. By competing together on mixed teams on a regular basis, children
from these historically divided groups are discovering common ground and
forging new friendships. Prejudices are being overcome by the desires to play,
have fun and win. This donation is expected to increase the number of
children participating in the PeacePlayers International program three-fold.
Commenting on the success of this year's gala, AIF CEO, Kieran McLoughlin,
said: "It is a credit to both the philanthropists and the wider patronage of
the Gala that this year's event is among the most successful in our 33-year
history. It is also noteworthy that over a third of a million dollars came
fromIreland itself this year, an indication that the roots of philanthropy
that the Ireland Funds has been sowing inIreland are starting to yield fruit.
Home-grown Irish philanthropy is ready for take off."
The 2008 Dinner Co-Chairs of the 2008 American Ireland Fund dinner are
Christopher M. Condron, President and CEO of AXA Financial, Inc. and Robert
McCann, President, Global Private Clients, Merrill Lynch Inc. The success of
the Dinner was driven by a committee of 73 business and philanthropic leaders
of whom 13 are based inIreland.
Notes to Editors
About The Ireland Funds: The mission of The American Ireland Fund is to be
the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of
Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of Peace and
Reconciliation, Arts and Culture, Education and Community Development
throughout the island ofIreland. The Ireland Funds host more than 100 events
in 40 cities attended by over 40,000 people. Since 1976, The Ireland Funds
have raised over $300 million. For additional information please go to
www.irlfunds.org.
SOURCE The American Ireland Fund
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