The Ireland Funds hosted its 34th Emerald Isle Ball on February 13, 2025, at The Breakers. 2025 marked the most successful Gala in the event’s history. The elegant black-tie gala, co-chaired by Lore Moran Dodge, Michele Kessler, Hillie Mahoney, Sheila O’Malley Fuchs, and Thomas C. Quick, welcomed more than 200 guests that included distinguished figures of Irish heritage, civic leaders, donors, and friends. After enjoying cocktails in the Mediterranean Ballroom, guests moved to the Venetian Ballroom for dinner, where The Bob Merrill Society Swing Orchestra continued to entertain.
Caitriona Fottrell, The Ireland Funds President & CEO, welcomed the guests, acknowledged visiting dignitaries and board members, expressed gratitude to the co-chairs, supporters, and shared an update on the work of The Ireland Funds.
“Palm Beach is so generous and it’s a privilege to come and be among such dedicated supporters. Your commitment to our mission makes a profound difference in helping us fund vital projects and humanitarian programs throughout Ireland,” Fottrell said.
Gene McQuade, Chair of The Ireland Funds America, expressed his gratitude to Palm Beach for its continued support. He then invited event co-chair and Board Director Thomas Quick to the stage, whom he described as someone who needs no introduction and as a dedicated and versatile leader upon whose expertise and support The Ireland Funds relies.
Quick introduced Lynne McGowan Wheat and presented her with The Ireland Funds 2025 Community Leadership Award, recognizing her dedication to charitable causes in Palm Beach County and beyond. Having known Wheat for 25 years and serving on various boards together, Quick said their families raised their children together, and he praised her as a devoted philanthropist and a beloved member of the Palm Beach community.
Wheat shared that she’s been told since childhood, “I have the map of Ireland all over my face. I’m 100 percent Irish. This is my first time attending The Ireland Funds Ball, and now I’m the honoree,” she humorously remarked adding,” the Quick family is a philanthropic powerhouse, and when Tom Quick asks you to do something, you don’t say ‘no.’
“When you’re fortunate in life, you have an obligation to give back. This honor has inspired me to do more in the community, which we moved to10 years ago, and it’s the best thing Thomas (Peterffy) and I have ever done,” Wheat said.
After dinner, Quick returned to the stage to lead the live auction that featured luxury stays in Ireland, an Irish golf getaway, an exclusive culinary event, a Louise Kennedy couture fashion package, and more. He then introduced Tony Award-nominated singer and Broadway actress Kate Baldwin, accompanied by Georgia Stitt, who closed the evening with a performance of “Look to the Rainbow.”
Photos: Capehart Photography
