Young Leaders St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 2012

Boston, March 16, 2012 – On March 15, more than 500 guests gathered for The American Ireland Fund Boston Young Leaders’ St. Patrick’s Celebration at the Boston Harbor Hotel and raised $135,000. The evening supported The American Ireland Fund’s work across the island of Ireland and its Promising Ireland Campaign to assist Irish charities.

The 2012 event was chaired by Devin Condron of Morgan Stanley and the vice chairs were Bret Kelly (owner of North Star), Maura Neal Fitzpatrick (Office of Senator John Kerry) and Mike Stevens (State Street Global Advisors). Patron sponsors for the evening were Jim and Sue Geraghty of Westboro.

“We are delighted to have a spirited and committed group of Boston young leaders.  In record fashion this year, they are continuing The Ireland Funds’ tradition of wonderful events around the world that advance the mission of supporting Ireland and Irish-related causes,” said Steve Greeley, Executive Director of The American Ireland Fund.

For over thirty five years, The American Ireland Fund has assisted charitable organizations in Ireland, North and South. In addition, local Massachusetts initiatives have received support including the Irish Pastoral Center, Camp Harborview, the Campaign for Catholic Schools, the Irish Immigration Center, the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club, The Catholic School Foundation and the work of Professor Padraig O’Malley at the University of Massachusetts to export the lessons of the Northern Ireland Peace Process to countries experiencing political and religious division.

About The American Ireland Fund: The Worldwide Ireland Funds are an international charitable network operating in 12 countries and have raised over $380 million for worthy causes in Ireland and around the world.  The mission of The Ireland Funds is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland. Founded in 1976, they have assisted over 1,200 organizations.

The Worldwide Ireland Funds have launched the Promising Ireland Campaign to raise $100 million by the end of 2013 on behalf of Irish charities. Charities across the island of Ireland are experiencing an increased demand for their services at a time of a major reduction in resources. The Campaign’s title – Promising Ireland – reflects The Worldwide Ireland Funds’ pledge to these groups as well as a belief in Ireland’s future. Over 300 outstanding projects and organizations have already received support from the Promising Ireland Campaign. Presently, the Promising Ireland Campaign has raised almost $90 million of its $100 million goal.