Global technology leader AMD was honored with The Ireland Funds Corporate Leadership Award at the San Francisco Gala Dinner on Friday, March 7 at the St. Francis Hotel. San Francisco Ireland Funds VP Marjorie Muldowney welcomed a buzzing crowd and spoke about 2024 being one of the most impactful years in The Ireland Funds grantmaking history, delivering over $28.5m to more than 330 organizations throughout the island of Ireland and around the world. Consul General Micheal Smith helped launch this black-tie celebration, providing an appreciative introduction to AMD Senior VP Ruth Cotter, acknowledging the important presence of AMD in Cork and Dublin. Ruth Cotter spoke eloquently about AMD’s increasingly important role in providing computer chips that help power AI, data centers, and gaming products. She also paid a glowing tribute to the impact of The Ireland Funds on countless lives.
The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to fourth generation San Franciscans, Mary Driscoll Toboni & Joe Toboni of The Toboni Group following a delightful introduction by their son, Joey Toboni. Mary & Joe have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others with devoted service to the San Francisco community. Whether it’s rolling up their sleeves at food banks for the Order of Malta, organizing & delivering a massive campaign to bring food and clothing to the Northern California fire victims, chairing capital campaigns for educational endowments, as well as heading up annual fundraisers while sitting on strategic planning boards of non-profit organizations, the Tobonis are always there, fulfilling their life mission to help the underserved. The standing ovation they received was testament to their popularity and appreciation for their service through the decades.
400 guests from the spheres of technology, business, law, and the arts attended the Gala, along with Board Directors Bart Murphy, and Amy Roberti. In addition to magnificent support from Ruth Cotter & Bjorn Haug, AMD, Mary & Joe Toboni, Stripe, Eileen & Bart Murphy, and Diane B. Wilsey, generous corporate funding came from Agilent, Aon, AIB & William Fry, Deloitte, Equinix, Grant Thornton, IDA Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Kennedy Wilson, Lateral Investment Management, Tourism Ireland, and University College Dublin. Generous supporters included Kathleen Daly, Michael Dermody of Dermody Properties, EJ & Michael Farrell, Meagan Levitan & Dale Carlson, Ann King & Steve Murphy, Jeanne Parker Martin & Mike Martin, and Gerry & Jim Sangiacomo. Other key supporters included Michele Driscoll Alioto & Joe Alioto, Kerry Murphy Hogan, John McDonnell of the McDonnell Group, and Nancy & Bill Murphy. Following a lively Auction program led by Liam Mayclem. Dave Martin’s House Party wrapped up the evening with dancing and fun.
Ashford Castle, Ballyfin Demesne, Dromoland Castle, The Merrion Hotel, The Park Hotel Kenmare, Fitzpatrick’s Manhattan Hotel New York, The Westin St. Francis Hotel, the IRFU, the Intercontinental Hotel Ballsbridge, San Francisco Giants, Soldier Field Chicago, Mission Rock Resort and Epic Steakhouse.
The San Francisco Gala is our largest West Coast event, helping to raise key funding for hundreds of Irish charities and causes supported by The Ireland Funds. Please save the date of Friday, December 5th for The Ireland Funds San Francisco Women in Leadership Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel.
