We enjoyed a fabulous evening on Friday 7th November as we came together for our Sydney Black-Tie Gala Dinner at the prestigious Art Gallery of NSW. Guests were welcomed with drinks and canapes as they mingled amidst the artwork. We were thrilled to fill the venue to capacity which resulted in an incredible buzz around the gallery.
Executive Director Teresa Keating welcomed our guests and introduced our MC for the night – Tristan MacManus, TV Presenter.
Chair, Yvonne Le Bas, shared with guests the incredible work of The Ireland Funds and what we have accomplished here in Australia with their help. Our Grant Round to June this year saw us donate over $550,000 to 16 projects including 2 inaugural fellowships at Trinity St. James Cancer Research Institute and Peter MacCallum and VCCC in Victoria, Life Changing Scholarships through the No Mind Left Behind Programme, Learning Hub Limerick, Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, the Irish Support Agencies of NSW, VIC and QLD, the Irish Film Festival and much more.
Yvonne thanked our sponsors including Ryan’s Hotel Group, Laing O’Rourke, Inagh Foundation, Coolmore, Australian Radio Network, Glen Dimplex, Charles Curran AC, artist Miriam Innes, superstar Dermot Kennedy, Diageo and new sponsors Aqua Expeditions, Hopperound Cruise & Travel and Turkish Airlines.
We also heard from our new Ambassador H.E. Fiona Flood who told guests how much she and the Irish Government appreciated the work of the Ireland Funds and having joined the Board, looked forward to many interactions with our supporters going forward.
The amazing Vixen Strings made an entrance to remember walking through the crowd with their rendition of The Corrs’ Toss the Feathers moving into a medley of up-tempo songs which had the audience clapping and tapping!
Our Live Auction was equally exciting with fabulous items up for grabs. Thank you to our Auctioneer John Higgins of MyPlace Estate Agents. Up next was our raffle draw with the chance to win a 7 Night Cruise on Aqua Mekong for 2 guests valued at over $30,000 – Massive thank you to Aqua Expeditions for your very generous support.
Guests enjoyed a 3-course menu curated by acclaimed chef Matt Moran whilst sipping Irish Coffees and Baileys thanks to Diageo. We were then entertained by the lively Baker Boys Band which saw everyone up on the dancefloor!
It was a very special evening and we are so thankful for the opportunity to connect with friends whilst raising funds for the vital projects we support across the island of Ireland and here in Australia.