The Beach Club on Santa Monica Beach was the idyllic setting for the first American Ireland Fund Beach Party on Saturday, September 24th. This spectacular oceanfront property was established during the Gold Coast era in 1923 between Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades and represents what is so special about Los Angeles. History combines with modern style at this private club overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and it was treat for us to spend the evening there with a fabulous set of AIF friends.
Susan & Harry Hartford hosted this unique family party and were welcomed by West Coast Director & VP Major Gifts, Marjorie Muldowney. They were joined by Los Angeles Regional Advisory Board members Brendan Carroll, Matthew Doran, Kaitlyn Kyle, and Conor Shalloe. Keith Ennis attended with his sister Claire Ennis, as well as longtime supporters of the Fund: Annie Murphy, Jamie Murphy, Adrienne Fontanella, Alan Hearty, Julie Murphy, Michele Shalloe, Jane & Sean Browne, and Len Schwigen & Patricia Corrigan.
From the world of entertainment, we were joined by actress Caroline Morahan & Dok O’Caoimh, actors Victor Burke & Fiona Doolan, film director Ciaran Foy & Olwen Kelleghan, actress Olivia Tracey, film director Nathalie Lichtenhaeler, actress Amy Shiels, Paul Overacker & Marjorie DeHey. Also present was newly-appointed American Ireland Fund VP of Major Gifts Jonathan Loughran with his wife Michelle.
Guests included new friends Kathy & Matt Hart, Maggie & Marty Dehler, Cristina & Michael Monroe, Kim & Colm Plunkett, Linda Thomas
and Denise & Kim Kilroy. Also in attendance were Cormac Doddy & Steve Sun, Cliona & Fergal McCarthy, Karl Curran, Robin & John Walsh, Michiko Kawakami & Kevin McCarthy and Lori & Peter Casey.
It was a wonderful party with guests mingling, children laughing, and everyone around the bonfire for ‘smores as the hot sun began to set. Irish music from the live band on the patio provided a lovely sound of Ireland and the chatter was flowing.
This is a vibrant, exciting time for The American Ireland Fund in Los Angeles, especially with the very welcome addition of Jonathan Loughran to the team.
