On Thursday, March 8th, The Ireland Funds New York Young Leaders hosted their 13th annual signature fundraiser, The St. Patrick’s Celebration at Espace, which was attended by more than 600 friends and supporters of The Ireland Funds. The event honored Bridget Moynahan with the Irish Spirit Award and two-time New York Giant Superbowl Champion, David Diehl with the Dylan Smith Community Service Award.
Pat Tully, Vice President of Development, opened the speaking program by welcoming guests and introduced Cliona Doyle, Director of the Young Leaders. Cliona thanked the event committee, sponsors and introduced Co-Chairs of the event, Dan Healy and Sinead Faughnan. Dan then took to the stage to introduce David Diehl. Dan spoke of David’s contribution to so many charities in the New York and New Jersey area. He also recognized the heroic efforts of Dylan Smith whose name and life the award commemorates. Sinead Faughnan then introduced the second honoree of the evening, Bridget Moynahan. Bridget is currently starring in the CBS hit show Blue Bloods. Sinead spoke to the group of Bridget’s Irish upbringing and her great support of many charities. Bridget thanked The Ireland Funds for the award and spoke warmly about her work with Hole in the Wall Gang Camp which The Ireland Funds support in Ireland.
Pat Tully then conducted the live auction which included a luxury trip to Ireland and a trip for 6 to the Kentucky Derby. The fundraising continued with a special appeal for the Irish Arts Center’s capital campaign. The evening’s goal of raising $10,000 for The Ireland Funds work with exceptional Irish charities was exceeded.
At the end of the party, the guests were invited to the official after party hosted by Union Beer Distributors at Rattle and Hum West.
Thank you to our sponsors including: The O’Connor Family, Jameson Irish Whiskey, BFloral, Delta Airlines and BMW.
