rnOn Saturday, December 3rd, The Ireland Funds Young Leaders Society gathered in the Salesian Room at San Francisco’s renowned Original Joe’s restaurant for the Pre-Summit Holiday Brunch, Located in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach, the place was hopping with festive activity and good cheer. Vice President for Development Marjorie Muldowney welcomed the group, led by San Francisco Young Leader Chair LJ Prendergast and key supporters Rory Cameron and Ian Casey. Vice Consul Colum Hatchell attended and the Guest Speaker was national AIF Board Director Bart Murphy. rn
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rnAside from being a fun way to gather before the holidays, the brunch was designed to encourage guests to join their fellow Young Leaders from around the world at the 6th annual Young Leaders Global Summit in New York, January 26th-29th, 2017.
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rnBart Murphy spoke eloquently and personally about his involvement with The American Ireland Fund and emphasized the importance not just of attending the Summit, but also coming to the annual Conference in June. He talked about the range of projects that had resonated with him, including Guide Dogs for Autism and writer Roddy Doyle’s Fighting Words program. Following a tasty brunch, Ian Casey described his experiences at the YL Summit and how these were some of the most fun, unforgettable weekends he’s enjoyed.
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rnThe room was humming with chatter as guests met and mingled over Mimosas, making new friends and connections. It was a great mix of Irish and Irish Americans from Boston, New York, Vancouver, and Kansa City. Guests included Fidelma Butler (Zendesk), Niamh Callaghan (Bank of the West), Hugh Gibbons (Credit-Suisse), Kim Murphy (UCSF). Ciara Hickey (Mastercard) & Rory Murphy (UCSF), Roisin Hunt (Irish Pastoral Center), and Eamon Foley (Thomson Reuters). Also joining the group were Allison Nevins (Digitas), Lauren Czorniak(CBRE), Merri McCann (Google), and Taylor Shepard (CBRE) from Boston, , Other friends of the Fund included John Normoyle, Grainne Barron (Viddyad) and Larry Burchette, Aislinn Marron, Oisin Heneghan (Tramell Crow), Ciaran Byrne (Game Golf), and Maeve Magner Special thanks to guest Jake Malanoski (Green Chef) for being our photographer and supporters Elizabeth Carter and Tara McElligott.
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rnGuests were keen to become members of the San Francisco chapter of The Ireland Funds Young Leaders Society and participate in future fun gatherings like the upcoming Summit and the San Francisco Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 4th, 2017 at the St. Francis Hotel. Hope to see you there!rn
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