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The Worldwide Ireland Funds Young Leaders Host “The Irish Run the World” a Global 5K Race Across 15 cities.
Dublin -On Saturday, September 26, 2015, for the second year in a row, the collective chapters of The Worldwide Ireland Funds will host “The Irish Run the World,” a global 5K race held over the span of 24 hours sponsored by KPMG.
Irish Olympians Eamonn Coughlan and Sonia O’Sullivan arereturning asthe official Ambassadors for the event.The Ireland Funds Young Leaders will run over 75km, in 15cities in 6different countries. Starting in Brisbane,Australia, The Young Leaders will run a 5K in their respective city before passing the virtual baton off to the next city. “The Irish Run the World” will conclude when the last Young Leader crosses the finish line in Los Angeles, California.
President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, Kieran McLoughlin, said, “The Irish Run the World Global 5K shows the vitality and reach of our Young Leaders around the world. They represent the next wave of philanthropy focused on doing great things for Ireland among the diaspora and those at home in Ireland.”
“This is becoming a signature global event for the Young Leaders and is also an opportunity for The Ireland Funds to show the power and dedication of our global network,” said Pat Tully, National Director of The Young Leaders.
“Logistically, producing a race across 15 markets is no easy feat but with the energy of The Ireland Funds Young Leaders and their desire to give something back to Ireland, we know it will be a success.”The Ireland Funds Young Leaders Society attracts professionals ages 25-40. Paving the way for the future, the Society cultivates an emerging generation of philanthropists while providing a networking forumand a connection with modern Ireland.
With events around the world, members have raised over $1 million for the work of The Worldwide Ireland Funds.With a goal of raising $100,000, all funds raised from “The Irish Run the World” will go to support The Ireland Funds Promising IrelandCampaign to assist worthy charities across the island of Ireland and Irish causes around the world.“
KPMG is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of The Ireland Funds Young Leaders 2nd annual global 5K,” said Shaun Kelly, Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Americas. “By sponsoring this event, KPMG is supporting The Ireland Funds Young Leaders’ initiatives to bring vital resources to organizations that address today’s challenging social issues.”
About The Worldwide Ireland Funds
The Worldwide Ireland Funds are 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 IrelandCampaign. www.theirelandfunds.org
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Members of the media interested in more information please contact:
In Ireland –Siobhán GallagherOffice 353-1-662-7878 sgallagher@irlfunds.org
In the US–Pat Tully Office 212-689-3100 Mobile 917-292-8910 ptully@irlfunds.org
