On June 10th, 2025, The Ireland Funds Chicago Regional Advisory Committee hosted its 2025 Chicago Dinner Kick Off Event at Chicago Cut Steakhouse.
The evening began with The Ireland Funds Chicago Vice Chair, Devon Bruce, thanking the committee for making the evening possible and he welcomed Irish Consul General Brian Cahalane to his first kick off dinner. Devon highlighted The Ireland Funds 50th Anniversary Conference to be held in Dublin in June, 2026 and he encouraged Chicago Committee members attend.
Committee Chair, Terry Brady spoke about how much being part of The Ireland Funds, means to him and his family. He spoke of the work of Sailing into Wellness, a Cork-based organization that supports people in recovery, through the benefit of learning to sail. 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.
Áine Mallaghan, Vice President of Development at The Ireland Funds, thanked everyone for taking the time to come along and kickoff the 2025 Chicago Dinner. Áine highlighted the Delivering for Ireland in 2024 report that was at each person’s seat and the many organizations and groups benefiting. Áine stated that the ability of The Ireland Funds to deliver this work was all down to each person in the room and would not be done without that support and generosity. Áine encouraged everyone to take the report home and read about the $28.5 million provided by The Ireland Funds in grants to outstanding nonprofit organizations in 2024.
Áine invited Consul General Brian Cahalane to give remarks and Consul General Cahalane spoke about the deep pride the Irish government has in the philanthropic giving by Irish Americans to the island of Ireland.
The 2025 Chicago Dinner will honor Kerry Group, with The Ireland Funds Corporate Social Responsibility Award and which will be accepted by Oliver Kelly, Group Chief Commercial Officer.
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 hosting a wonderful evening of the best hospitality at Chicago Cut Steakhouse.
