b'DAy TWo THURSDAY 6Under sunny skies, a welcome lunch was held at the beautifulDonorsthentraveledtoStormont,theParliamentBuilding Culloden Estate where the Conference was based. Supporters were of Northern Ireland. They were welcomed and hosted by First welcomed by Kieran McLoughlin who provided an overview of the MinisterPeterRobinsonanddeputyFirstMinisterMartinthree days to come. He introduced John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of McGuinness. Both politicians praised The Ireland Funds and theirThe American Ireland Fund; Shaun Kelly, Belfast native andinvestment and commitment to Northern Ireland and the Peacerecent New York Dinner Gala Co-Chair and Caitriona Fottrell,Process. Their speeches were followed by the Forge Integrated Director Ireland. They each spoke about the importance of the Primary School Choir. Guests were encouraged to explore the hallsPromising Ireland Campaign and the donors upcoming visits that of the grand and historic building that is now the seat of the afternoon to outstanding projects that had benefited from the devolved Government of Northern Ireland. Campaign. Supportersthenbrokeintosmallgroupsthatvisited 12 projects in the Belfast area. The 174 Trust, Cinemagic, SOS Bus,Ardoyne Holycross Boxing Club, Play Resource, the Integrated Education Fund, East Belfast Network Centre, the Lyric Theatre,Queens University Belfast, Linen Hall Library, Young Social Innovators and Young Enterprise Northern Ireland showcasedtheir work and difference that The Ireland Funds Promising IrelandCampaign had made. Most importantly, it was an opportunity fordonors to see the tremendous results of their philanthropy and relationship with The Ireland Funds. For the projects, it was achance to extend their heartfelt thanks to donors.7connect2014 | 54'