The American Ireland Funds 34th Annual Boston Dinner Gala

12th November, 2015 : Boston

Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

THE AMERICAN IRELAND FUND 2015 BOSTON GALA HONORS ANNE FINUCANE

A record-breaking $2.6 million raised – the largest amount ever achieved at the Boston Gala

Boston, November 12, 2015 – More than 1,100 guests gathered on Thursday, November 12, for The American Ireland Fund’s 34th Annual Boston Dinner Gala at the Westin Boston Waterfront. A record-breaking $2.6 million – the largest amount ever achieved at the Boston Gala -was raised for The Worldwide Ireland Funds Promising Ireland Campaign to support nonprofit organizations across the island of Ireland and around the world. The Annual Boston Gala is one of the largest of The Worldwide Ireland Funds’ 100+ international events.

The 2015 Boston Gala was chaired by Mike Mahoney, President and CEO of Boston Scientific. The Vice Chairmen were Andrew Arnott, President and CEO of John Hancock Investments, and Jack Sebastian, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs. In attendance were Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh and Senator Edward Markey among other leading Boston civic, philanthropic and business leaders. The 2015 Gala honored Anne Finucane, Vice Chair of Bank of America and National Director of The American Ireland Fund.

Dinner Chairman Mike Mahoney, CEO of Boston Scientific, announced the evening’s record-breaking $2.6 million raised. “As one of the largest employers in Ireland, Boston Scientific is proud to join other great companies in supporting the Irish people through our work with The American Ireland Fund. The thousands of organizations that The American Ireland Fund supports are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the Irish community both in the U.S. and abroad.”

Anne Finucane was recognized for overseeing Bank of America’s philanthropic initiatives that have improved the lives of men and women across the island of Ireland and around the world.  Noted was the company’s support of organizations ranging from Special Olympics to its work with (RED) to fight AIDS in Africa to its support of Music Generation, which has brought musical training to thousands of Ireland’s children.

“The American Ireland Fund is a special organization to me, and it’s an honor to be recognized by people who have done so much to support the Irish community across the globe,” Finucane said. “Like The American Ireland Fund, Bank of America is committed to improving lives, creating better economic conditions and strengthening communities. Thank you for your partnership in those efforts.”

After Finucane concluded her remarks, a sustained standing ovation was given as American Ireland Fund National Director Bob Reynolds presented her with a Waterford Crystal bowl as a commemoration of thanks.

“The combination of Mike Mahoney’s leadership as Dinner Chairman and Anne Finucane as our honoree has catapulted this event to be the most successful in its over-three-decade history, “said Kieran McLoughlin, President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds. “The support generated tonight will enable The American Ireland Fund to help so many organizations both across the island of Ireland and here in Boston at a time when it is truly needed.”

’It’s been a  record-breaking night for The  American Ireland Fund  and so many vital projects both in Ireland and here in Greater Boston will benefit ,” said Steve Greeley, Vice President of Major Gifts and New England Director of The American Ireland Fund. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize Anne’s leadership and the impact it has had on Ireland and beyond.”

About The American Ireland Fund:

The American Ireland Fund is part of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, a philanthropic network across 12 countries that has raised over $500 million for worthy causes in Ireland and Irish causes around the world. It is the largest network of friends of Ireland dedicated to supporting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development. Founded in 1976, The Worldwide Ireland Funds have benefited over 3,000 organizations. Funds raised are contributed by private sources, individuals, corporations and foundations.

In response to the severe downturn in the Irish economy, The Worldwide Ireland Funds launched the Promising Ireland Campaign in 2009 to raise $100 million for charities experiencing an increased demand for their services at a time of a major reduction in resources. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors, the initial goal was doubled to raise $200 million by the end of 2015. The second goal was achieved six months ahead of schedule. As a result, over one third of the Funds’ total earnings since foundation have been raised during the six years of the Campaign. The Campaign will continue to raise key support for charities until its scheduled conclusion at the end of 2015. Over 800 outstanding projects and organizations have received support from the Promising Ireland Campaign.

The American Ireland Fund holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator in recognition of efficiency, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. www.theirelandfunds.org

Members of the media interested in more information please contact:
Steve Greeley, Vice President of Major Gifts and New England Director, The American Ireland Fund
(w) 617-574-0720
sgreeley@irlfunds.org