The American Ireland Fund
The American Ireland Fund (AIF) is an organization[1][2] that raises funds for the support of peace and reconciliation, community development, education, and arts and culture in Ireland.[2] Since its founding, it has raised more than $150 million (US), benefitting more than 650 Irish charities.[3][4]
Background
Founded by Tony O'Reilly and Dan Rooney, The American Ireland Fund is part of The Ireland Funds.[1] The Worldwide Ireland Funds were founded in 1976.[5] On St. Patrick's Day of 1987, The Ireland Fund merged with the American Irish Foundation. The American Irish Foundation had been founded by US President John F. Kennedy and Irish President Éamon de Valera. After the merger, the new organization took the name The American Ireland Fund. The merger was made official at a White House function.[6]
Operating in 12 countries with worldwide membership chapters, The Worldwide Ireland Funds have raised more than $450 million (US) for over 1,500 organizations.[1][5] The Irish Times reported that the organization gave $15.7 million to such Irish organizations in 2012. The organization's net revenue amounted to more than $20 million in both 2011 and 2012.[7]
Headquarters
The global headquarters of The American Ireland Fund is in Boston, Massachusetts.[2]
Governance
The American Ireland Fund officers are:
- Chair: John Fitzpatrick, New York
- Former Chair: Loretta Brennan Glucksman, New York
- President and CEO: Kieran McLoughlin
- Treasurer: Christopher M. Condron, New York
- Secretary: Sheila O'Malley, Rockfleet Media, Inc., New York
Annual gala dinner
Each year, The American Ireland Fund holds a gala dinner that is attended by patrons, notable people, and individuals receiving awards from the organization.[8]
In 2008, the chair of the gala dinner was former United States Congress Member Jack Quinn.[8] US Vice President Joe Biden was one of the honorees of the gala dinner who received an award, the Distinguished Leadership Award, in 2008.[9]
US Vice President Joe Biden, upon receiving an award at the 2008 Gala Dinner, is quoted as saying:
- This is one of the few awards that I've ever been given that makes me feel totally worthy of my mother's love...my mom is the soul and spirit and essence of what it means to be an Irish-American.[9]
US Senator Susan Collins was another honoree at the 2008 gala dinner who received the Distinguished Leadership Award.[10]
At the 2008 American Ireland Fund Gala Dinner, Senator Susan Collins was quoted, stating about the Irish:
- The people of Ireland, the people of America stand united. As you strive towards peace, we will always be by your side.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Ireland Funds, The Ireland Funds, Boston, MA, 2014, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 American Ireland Fund, Charity Navigator, 2014, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ The Promising Ireland Campaign, The Ireland Funds, Boston, MA, 2014, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ The American Ireland Fund Chairman, The Ireland Funds, Boston, MA, 2014, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Our mission, The Ireland Funds, Boston, MA, 2014, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ Lindsay, Susan Getudis (2008), "American Ireland Fund", in Byrne, James Patrick, Coleman, Philip and King, Jason Francis, Ireland and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History : A Multidisciplinary Encyclopedia 2, ABC-CLIO, p. 53
- ↑ Hancock, Ciaran (December 27, 2013). "American Ireland Fund chief Kieran McLoughlin paid $619,000 in 2012". The Irish Times. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 American Ireland Fund: Jack Quinn and his brothers, Susan O'Neill & Associates, 2008, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 American Ireland Fund: Joe Biden receiving award, Susan O'Neill & Associates, 2008, Retrieved 5 January 2014.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 American Ireland Fund: Senator Susan Collins receiving award, Susan O'Neill & Associates, 2008, Retrieved 5 January 2014.