The American Ireland Funds' Annual Dinner Gala Raises $3 Million

The 2013 American Ireland Fund Gala exceeded its target by $500,000 and in total raised $3 million in support of The Worldwide Ireland Funds' Promising Ireland Campaign to assist Irish not for profit bodies.

Among those charities helped was the Wicklow Hospice whose patron, Oscar winning actor Daniel Day Lewis, made a rare appearance to acknowledge the Fund's support.

He received a rapturous reception. "Having Daniel Day Lewis present was remarkable," said President & CEO of The Worldwide Funds Kieran McLoughlin, "We were delighted to have such a celebrated actor show his support and solidarity with Ireland."

Over 1,100 guests from the spheres of business, the arts and politics attended the 38th Annual Gala at the Grand Hyatt New York at Grand Central.

It is the largest of the 100 global events hosted annually by The Worldwide Ireland Funds. 

The 2013 Gala honored Loretta Brennan Glucksman, outgoing Chairman of The American Ireland Fund. 

Under her 18-year tenure, The American Ireland Fund has become one of the largest private funding sources for not-for-profits across the island of Ireland. 

The award also recognized Loretta's personal generosity in having contributed over $27 million to The American Ireland Fund in support of numerous causes and institutions.

Also honored was James E. Quinn, former President of Tiffany & Company, in recognition of his corporate leadership, philanthropy and commitment to Ireland.

Jim is a longtime supporter of The American Ireland Fund as well as the Michael Smurfit School of Business, Ireland's leading business school. 

The 2013 American Ireland Fund New York Dinner Gala was chaired by John Fitzpatrick, CEO of Fitzpatrick Hotel Group NA and Adrian M. Jones, Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Kieran McLoughlin, President & CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds said, "The generosity and commitment of our donors is the engine behind tonight's milestone event.

"Tonight brings the total amount raised since our inception in 1976 to over $445 million, with almost one third of that total raised in just the past four and a half years alone.  

"The Promising Ireland Campaign has now provided vital support to more than 350 outstanding charities in Ireland and around the world."