Denis O'Brien Receives 2009 Seeds Of Hope Award

Five hundred friends and supporters of Concern Worldwide US gathered at the New York Hilton in December to recognize 2009 Seeds of Hope honoree Denis O'Brien.

Denis O'Brien is chairman of the privately-owned Digicel Group, one of the fastest growing cellular companies in the world, with operations in 32 markets with over 10 million subscribers in the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America.

He is also Chairman and Co-Founder of Frontline, the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, and is actively involved in the Iris O'Brien Foundation, which he established to provide assistance to disadvantaged communities in Ireland and around the world.

Concern Worldwide US Chairman Tom Moran and Chief Executive Tom Arnold recognized O'Brien for his singular achievements as a global entrepreneur launching mobile phone networks in emerging markets, and for his tireless energy as a philanthropist and humanitarian.

Moran, who also serves as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive of Mutual of America, reflected on the recent passing of Concern co-founder Aengus Finucane, who was a great admirer of Mr. O'Brien's.

Only weeks before he passed away, Aengus learned that Mr. O'Brien would receive the 2009 award. Mr. Moran and Mr. Arnold reported how thrilled and pleased Aengus was to hear the news-even providing guidance on the design and theme of the sculpture to be presented to Mr. O'Brien at the ceremony.

Siobhan Walsh, executive director of Concern Worldwide US, told the story of Aengus' dream of a dozen years ago to "fill a major New York hotel ballroom with supporters of Concern." Their generosity, as he put it, would multiply as "seeds of hope throughout the world."

That was his dream and soon after that, David O'Sullivan introduced Fr. Aengus to John Scanlon, a giant in the PR Industry.

John, proud of his Irish heritage, put the first group of supporters together to start the first Concern Worldwide US Seeds of Hope Award dinner, and as Ms. Walsh addressed the audience, she affirmed that Aengus' dream had become a reality.

Craig Barrett, former chairman of the board of the Intel Corporation and 2004 Seeds of Hope Award recipient, introduced O'Brien, describing the source of his business pursuits and charitable activities as "an essential belief in the potential of every person."

Said Barrett, "If you are wondering who is actively doing the work of driving real economic development in some of the world's poorest countries, while at the same being a catalyst for human development-in the realms of health, nutrition, clean water, education and livelihoods - Denis is leading the way on both fronts."

Upon accepting the award-a magnificent sculpture made of 5,600-year-old Irish bogwood-O'Brien praised Concern as an organization that "walks the talk." He likened the organization to Fortune 50 companies in terms of its efficiency, accountability, effectiveness, and organization. "We all have to the responsibility to make the world a better place," said O'Brien, "and I am proud to stand side by side with Concern in trying to do so."