b'Q. john, tell us a bit about your parentsQ. youre known for not just writing a check,and how they influenced you? but for spending quality time with the projectssupported by the eithne & paddy fitzpatrick My parents had a very big influence on shaping who I am. My mother memorial fund. what is the experience like whentaught me many things, but most importantly that there are manyyou are able to personally visit these projects? people out there who are less fortunate, and we need to offer somehelp where we can. Even more, as we become more successful, the Ill never forget the first time I visited Paul Newmans Barretstownmore social responsibility we need to shoulder. Camp, which serves children affected by serious illness and their families. There I had the opportunity to spend time with the kids andtheir families, and I discovered that a foundation should be so muchQ. in their memory, so many organizations havemore than just writing a check, its about making a difference in now benefited through the eithne & paddypeoples lives. Its a great feeling to be able to personally visit the fitzpatrick memorial fund. there are so manyprojects I support and see the effects they have on others. needs in ireland but the organizations thatFurthermore, from a responsibility point of view, I also visit toreceive support have a distinct focus onmake sure that the organizations that I contribute to are followingpeace & reconciliation as well as children.through with the projects that they propose. were those particular interests of your parents?My parents were always hoping for peace in Northern Ireland, but it is primarily my early involvement with The American IrelandQ. how has the american ireland fund Fund, that drew me to the type of projects that promote peace andpartnered with the eithne & paddy fitzpatrickreconciliation.memorial fund to support these organizations? Also, my parents always emphasized the importance of families,so I wanted to make sure I was involved with organizations that deal Fromthebeginning,TheAmericanIrelandFundgavemethe with such. More specifically, organizations that deal with kids areopportunity to support organizations that were near and dear to theimportant, as they are the future generation and if we want change, issuesthatImpassionateabout.Illalwaysbegratefulforthe we need to work with them from an early age.guidance I received from The American Ireland Fund in finding greatcauses to support, such as Barretstown Camp and the Integrated Education Fund. Q.at the end of the day, why is it important to you to give something back to the community and to the island of ireland? Most people that I know who have achieved a level of success in America always look to seehow they can contribute back to Ireland, including myself.Ireland has a wonderful heritage of philanthropy and it is this heritage and the memory of my parents, who gaveback in their own way that has inspired me to give back to different communities. connect201434 | 17'