The New York Young Leaders held their annual signature fundraiser on Thursday, March 15th and over 600 guests packed the Standford White designed Beaux Arts building, Capitale. The Corinthian columns of the ballroom were symbolic of the strength of the Young Leaders and our honoree NYPD Detective Kevin Brennan.
After a performance by the Smith School of Dance, the thundering pipes and drums of the NYPD’s Emerald Society welcomed the Chairman of the American Ireland Fund, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, who spoke of our honoree and introduced the event Co-Chairs Mary Beth Glaccum, Dean Thomas and Joe Tully. The Co-chairs were followed by NYC Council Speaker, Christine Quinn who introduced the Jameson Irish Spirit award winner, Kevin Brennan. Kevin gave an inspired acceptance speech about his fight for survival after a near fatal gun-shot wound to the head that he suffered while trying to apprehend a murder suspect. He credited the quick thinking and actions of his fellow officers with the fact that he survived. He then talked about Irish family values, and the deep roots of the Irish in the NYPD.
The McLean Avenue Band performed 2 incredible sets, mixed in with the DJ play of Tim Sommers AKA “Onelove.”
The star studded live auction consisted of a GAA VIP Football final experience in Dublin put together by GAA Legend, Dessie Farrell and Aer Lingus. That package was followed by New York Knicks center Jared Jeffries taking the stage and offering premium tickets to an upcoming Knicks game, signed memorabilia from his teammates and dinner with Jared himself after the game. The auction was completed with an appearance by Irish Rugby legend Alan Quinlan, who took the stage and offered a meet and greet with himself at the Young Leaders Ireland /England 6 Nations Rugby match party on St. Patrick’s Day.
The evening was sponsored by Jameson Black Barrel, PWC, Kennedy Computer Consulting, Aer Lingus, Tourism Ireland, JNK Securities Corp., Beckett’s Bar and Grill, Stone Street Tavern and The Dubliner.
