More than 1,100 guests on November 17, 2011 for The American Ireland Fund’s 30th Annual Boston Gala at the Westin Boston Waterfront. Over $2.3 million was raised for the vital work of The American Ireland Fund across the island of Ireland.
Among those who attended the event was Massachusetts Lt. Governor Tim Murray. Other guests included James R. Boyle, President, John Hancock Financial Services, Peter Eastwood, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chartis U.S.; Jack Sebastian, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs & Co.; Mike Sheehan, Chief Executive Officer, Hill Holliday; Karen Kaplan, President, Hill Holliday; Robert Kraft, Chairman & CEO, The New England Patriots.
Honoree
The 2011 Gala honored David McCullough, a Boston resident with Irish roots, and two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award and recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. McCullough addressed the capacity crowd and was feted with a resounding standing ovation.
The fundraiser, one of The Ireland Fund’s 100-plus worldwide events, supports Irish philanthropic causes.
Chair
The 2011 Gala was chaired by James R. Boyle, President of John Hancock Financial Services and Peter Eastwood, President and CEO of Chartis U.S. served as Vice Chairman.
“The Boston Gala historically has been among the city’s most successful fundraising events each year, and this year, under the leadership of Jim Boyle, has been no different. In fact, it has been one of our best,” said Steve Greeley, Executive Director of The American Ireland Fund. “The event was at capacity and we were pleased to welcome guests from around the world who came to celebrate with us. It is an honor for the Boston Irish-American community to be able to give back to Ireland at a time when our support is needed there now more than ever.”
