On May 2, over 600 guests came together to celebrate The Ireland Funds 46th New York Gala at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were honored with The Ireland Funds Performing Arts Award for their passionate support and championship of Irish arts and culture. Both Parker and Broderick spoke at-length of their deep affection for Ireland and thanked The Ireland Funds. “We’re very honored to be able to celebrate the Funds and its great and important work,” said Parker. She and Broderick also thanked the Irish Repertory Theatre for its contribution to Irish culture and a grant was made by The Ireland Funds to The Irish Repertory Theatre in honor of Parker and Broderick.
The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Leadership Award celebrated its 20th anniversary as it was presented by Les and Tom Quick to Lynn Martin, President of the NYSE Group in recognition of her business achievements, leadership and philanthropy. Martin thanked The Ireland Funds for its “unwavering support and commitment to making a difference in the lives of people across Ireland and beyond, ” and noted, “your tireless dedication to fostering positive change, supporting education, culture and peace has left an indelible mark on society.” Martin is the 68th President of the New York Stock Exchange, the world’s largest stock market, and the second woman to lead the exchange in its 231-year history. A graduate of Manhattan College and Columbia University, she sits on the Board of Directors of the Partnership for New York City, the Inner-City Scholarship Fund and Manhattan College’s Board of Trustees.
Broadway icons Kate Baldwin and Gavin Creel joined the stage with exceptional performances that thrilled all of those gathered.
