On June 6th 2024, The Ireland Funds Chicago Regional Advisory Committee hosted its 2024 Chicago Dinner Kick Off Event at Chicago Cut Steakhouse.
The evening began with The Ireland Funds Vice President of Development Midwest, Áine Mallaghan, thanking the committee for making the evening possible and welcomed Irish deputy Consul General Pádraig Manning to his first Ireland Funds Chicago event.
Deputy Consul Manning spoke about the impact The Ireland Funds makes in peoples lives in Ireland and thanked the committee for its ongoing support.
Áine highlighted the recent 2024 Heart of the Community grant round in Ireland and the many organizations and groups benefiting. The increase in applications year on year demonstrates the need for support is there and growing. The work of the Chicago committee and events such as the Chicago Dinner, are vital to ensuring these key funding rounds happen.
Committee Chair, Terry Brady spoke about the recent passing of Sir Tony O’Reilly, one of the Co-founders of The Ireland Funds. He raised a toast to all those across the island of Ireland and in Irish communities worldwide who benefit from the work of The Ireland Funds.
Dinner Co-Chair Devon Bruce highlighted The Ireland Funds Worldwide Conference held in County Cork. Devon shared his hopes that this year’s dinner, the 40th Chicago Dinner, be the best one yet.
The 2024 Chicago Dinner will honor Kellanova, previously known as Kelloggs, with The Ireland Funds Corporate Social Responsibility Award.
The evening was an opportunity for longstanding friends as well as new supporters to connect with the mission of The Ireland Funds. Áine thanked Matt Moore and his team for a wonderful evening of the best hospitality at Chicago Cut Steakhouse
