b'1The 37th Annual New York Dinner GalaMAY, 2012 WITH OVER 1,300 GUESTS FROM THE SPHERES OF BUSINESS, THE ARTS, AND POLITICS,THE 37TH ANNUAL AMERICAN IRELAND FUND DINNER GALA IN THE TENT AT LINCOLN CENTER WASTHE MOST SUCCESSFUL DINNER IN THE HISTORY OF THE FUNDS.Breaking all records the 2012 Gala was the most successful event in the Funds 37 year history and contributed $4.2 million to the Promising IrelandCampaign.Chairman of The American Ireland Fund Loretta Brennan Glucksman and Worldwide Ireland Funds President and CEO KieranMcLoughlin, announced at the 2012 New York Gala that thePromising IrelandCampaigna philanthropic initiative to raise $100 million for charities from among the Funds global network in 12 countries by the end of 2013had not only reached its goal 19 monthsahead of schedule but had also exceeded its target. Mr. McLoughlin revealed that the Campaign total stood at over $120 million. Headded that The Worldwide Ireland Funds would determine the next phase of the Promising IrelandCampaign at their annual Conference in Ireland in June.The 2012 Gala, honoring Bank of Americas Chief Executive Officer Brian T. Moynihan, was attended by the President of IrelandMichael D. Higgins, on his first official visit to the United States since taking office in November of 2011. Other VIPs attending includedMayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Speaker of New York City Council ChristineQuinn, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, celebrated author Colum McCann, and Martha Stewart.President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, spoke of the importance of the work of The Worldwide Ireland Funds. He applauded theenduring relationship that the Funds had with Ireland and noted the vital and lasting contribution that their support was making at acrucial time for Ireland. Chaired by William J. Mullaney and Brian A. Ruane, the 2012 New York Gala honored Mr. Moynihan by conferring the Leslie C. Quick Jr. Leadership Award on him for his corporate leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to Ireland.Through the ongoing support of the Quick Family, the Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Leadership Award is given annually to a business person of outstanding character and acumen. The award recognizes excellence and major contributions to Ireland and Irish America. Past recipients of the award include Irial Finan of Coca-Cola, Andrew Liveris of Dow Chemical, Bob McCann of UBS andKip Condron of AXA Financial.connect2012 | 87'