b'1 2 34 5 6New York Young Leaders St. Patricks Celebration1 Aisling McDonagh,MARCH, 2013 Over 700 Young Leaders and friends of The American Ireland Fund met up for the 8th annual St.John Fitzpatrick, Ann MurtaghPatricks Celebration. This signature fundraising event for the New York Young Leaders was held at Capitale. The evening2 James Fiore, Charle Webb, Dean Thomas, Greg Mintz raised support for The Ireland Funds Promising Ireland Campaign to assist charities in Ireland and around the globe.3 Supporters enjoying the The program was led by the Co-Chairs Bernadette McCabe Kelly, David McCormack and Rachel Conlan. The first live auction4 Honoree Chris O\'Dowdhonoree was Irelands Deputy Consul General to New York, Peter Ryan. Peter was the recipient of the inaugural Dylan5 Co-Chairs Rachel Conlan, Smith Community Service Award. The award is in honor of Dylans bravery during Superstorm Sandy. Dylan saved sixBernadette McCabe Kelly and David McCormack withpeople from drowning in Belle Harbor with the use of his surfboard. Soon after, Dylan tragically died in a surfing Jameson Irish Spirit Award accident. The award was given to Peter for his dedication to the recovery effort after Superstorm Sandy. Peter Winner, Chris O\'Dowd6 Dawn OPorter & Chris ODowdcoordinated local Irish organizations to work together in the Rockaways and Breezy Point for a series of service daystitled Irish Day of Action. Irelands Minister for Transportation, Alan Kelly complimented the Young Leaders on theirfundraising efforts and recognized the important work of The American Ireland Fund on the ground in Ireland. The second honoree was actor Chris ODowd. Chris was presented with the Jameson Irish Spirit Award. He spoke aboutwhat he felt the "Irish Spirit" was and how the Irish people were at their best when telling stories. He went on to tell afew stories of his own to the delight of the supporters. The night continued with an after-party on Stone Street at our sponsors taverns: Stone Street Tavern, Becketts and The Dubliner. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Jameson Irish Whiskey as well as the following sponsors: PWC, McNamara Options LLC, Sixpoint Brewery, KennedyComputer Consulting and Aer Lingus.connect2013 | 65'