American Ireland Fund New York Gala Raises Over $3.5 Million

More than 1,300 guests gathered at the American Ireland Fund's 33rd Annual New York Gala at the Tent at Lincoln Center to honor acclaimed Irish actor Liam Neeson and renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist, Lewis L. Glucksman, who passed away in 2006.

The event raised over $3.5 million for important projects in Ireland, including a $1 million gift to PeacePlayers International, an organization that brings Catholic and Protestant children in the North together through the neutral sport of basketball.

A native of the North, Liam Neeson, accompanied by his wife, actress Natasha Richardson, received the 2008 Performing Arts Award.

The AIF honored Mr. Neeson at this year's event for his contribution to film and theatre over the past 30 years, and for the friendship and support he has shown The American Ireland Fund through the time he has volunteered to help promote its mission.

Commenting on the honor he received, Liam Neeson said, "Enormous strides have been made in my native Northern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated by political, social and economic changes that came about through a combination of courage, generosity and persistence.

"The American Ireland Fund has been instrumental in investing in some of the deeper social changes that are needed and has tirelessly supported peace, education, the arts and reconciliation projects on the island of Ireland. I am proud to have been able to play a part in the American Ireland Fund's efforts and am honored to be part of the continuing transition underway in Ireland."

Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of the American Ireland Funds, accepted the 2008 Humanitarian Award on behalf of her husband, the late Lewis L. Glucksman, renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist. The AIF posthumously honored Mr. Glucksman for his tireless dedication to Ireland.

Throughout his life he helped to raise funds for many of the peace and educational initiatives of the AIF; promoted reconciliation in the North; reached out to those excluded from the benefits of the Celtic Tiger in the Republic of Ireland; and supported Irish arts.

His devotion inspired the creation with his wife, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, of a Center for Irish Studies at NYU, a vision realized with the establishment of Glucksman Ireland House in 1993.

Former Irish international rugby star, Trevor Ringland, accepted a $1 million donation from the AIF on behalf of PeacePlayers International in the North.

PeacePlayers uses the neutral game of basketball to address sectarianism challenges and foster mutual respect and tolerance by enabling Catholic and Protestant children to play the game together. Basketball, unlike traditional sports in the North, is not affiliated with either community.

By competing together on mixed teams on a regular basis, children from these historically divided groups are discovering common ground and forging new friendships. Prejudices are being overcome by the desires to play, have fun and win.

This donation is expected to increase the number of children participating in the PeacePlayers International program three-fold.