Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108Dear Fellow Donors, As I have the privilege of beginning my second term, I do so with great enthusiasm. In 2017 we continue to see economic improvements in Ireland, North and South. Unemployment is falling, new businesses are being created and a renewed sense of confidence is establishing itself after the ravages of the Great Recession. However, we cannot afford to overlook the considerable challenges Ireland, North and South, could face, not least as a result of Brexit. Despite the progress that has been made, many sectors of society remain untouched by the recovery and many others are still feeling the wounds of such a difficult period. To help strengthen society, the Irish not-for-profit sector plays a critical role. They are doing outstand- ing work reaching out to those with the most need and helping people to improve their lives. Just some of the 200 projects we are currently supporting are reviewed here in Connect Magazine including Anam Cara and Youth Initiatives in Northern Ireland. I hope you take great pride in their work and the difference they are making. Equally, I hope you will enjoy the coverage of the 150 events across 12 countries where friends of Ireland can come together. Yes, people have a good time and they deserve to. But ours are parties with a purpose. As is said of these events, “we come for the party and stay for the mission.” I would like to thank all those who have been part of these events across the globe and are making such a difference across Ireland. Your support is vital and vibrant. You are true friends of Ireland. With much appreciation, John Fitzpatrick Chairman, The Ireland Funds America Connect SPRING / SUMMER / 2017 connect 2017 • 3