THE NEXT WAVE

The American Ireland Fund Looks to The New Generation of Leadership

Celebrated Irish poet William Butler Yeats once mused “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends”. Few sentiments so eloquently capture the spirit of camaraderie that is the galvanizing force behind The American Ireland Fund Young Leaders – perhaps the AIF’s most dynamic and progressive program.

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.Paving the way for the future, this next generation of leadership is an inspired, energetic group passionately committed to supporting a diverse portfolio of Irish philanthropic causes and interests. And in the process, these younger supporters are defining what it means to be part of the modern Irish Diaspora.

The American Ireland Fund has benefited me both personally and professionally. I feel a great sense of belonging to the young and dynamic next generation of Irish-Americans who are playing their part in supporting the success story that is the island of Ireland today. Boston Co-Chair Mark Mathers, Mathers Financial Group

The Young Leaders were established fifteen years ago in Boston by a group of young Irish-American professionals who sought to connect with their heritage and pursue their vision of a stronger, more vibrant Ireland. Since its inception, their Boston St. Patrick’s Day event has evolved from a small cocktail reception into a major fundraising initiative. 2005’s event attracted a crowd of over five hundred and raised $100,000. In 2003, The Young Leaders (as they are known in Boston) contributed $94,000 towards the Special Olympics in Ireland — the first time the games were held outside of the United States.

Twelve-year veteran member Jay Carroll attributes the remarkable expansion to a committed group who share interests and friendships: “the Young Leaders offer a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for meaningful causes and connect with peers.” One mission of the program is to provide a springboard to participation in other AIF events, including the Boston Gala Dinner. But the annual St. Patrick’s Day event has become such an important occasion in its own right, Committee Co-Chair Maura Barry reflects “the fundraiser has become part of my life…just like holidays with family and friends.”

Through the Young Leaders, I enjoy two great loves — New York and Ireland. We’ve assembled an extraordinary group who are giving of their time, money and talents, and constantly dreaming up creative ways to support Irish causes. The momentum is contagious. New York Co-Chair Tara McCabe, Morgan Stanley

Forging their own trajectory, The New York Young Leaders have blossomed from modest beginnings as well. Led by a core committee of Irish and Irish Americans, the New York chapter has flourished over the past three years. Initiated at a dinner one evening in December 2003, the Young Leaders were formed by four New Yorkers - Chris Doherty, Patrick Fitzpatrick, Maureen Gillespie and Kevin Murray. Together, they identified the vast, untapped pool of potential amongst young Irish-Americans seeking to establish professional and personal ties with Ireland. Chris Doherty remembers “I was familiar with the AIF through my work at Barretstown in Ireland.While I realized I couldn’t yet contribute in ways that more established business leaders could, I still wanted to support the AIF and believed there had to be other young up-and-comers in New York that wanted to do the same…how true that was.

While I realized I couldn’t yet contribute in ways that more established business leaders could, I still wanted to support the AIF and believed there had to be other young up-and-comers in New York that wanted to do the same…how true that was. New York Co-Chair Chris Doherty, Jefferies & Company

In 2004, The New York Young Leaders re-invigorated their program and currently feature two hallmark celebrations — an annual St. Patrick’s Day gala and a Christmas event—supplemented by an event every two months. In 2005, the group celebrated an outstanding year and attended a lecture featuring Bono and the ringing of the NYSE Bell by Irish Prime Minister, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Most significantly, they raised $100,000 – a ten-fold increase over the previous year. This milestone reflects incredible promise and progress and has attracted the notice of New York influentials such as Irish Consul General Tim O’Connor. O’Connor attended 2005’s Christmas event and enthused “The AIF’s Young Leaders, with their energy and drive, play a critical role in the continuation of the extraordinary relationship between the United States and Ireland. They are the inheritors and guardians of this hugely special bond that has brought so much benefit to both countries.”

This year, New York introduced the AIF Mentoring Program — an initiative that pairs AIF Board Members with Young Leader Patron Members. This connection serves as an opportunity for career mentoring, while ensuring vital continuity to the organization’s leadership.

One mission of the program is to provide a springboard to participation in other AIF events, including the Boston Gala Dinner. But the annual St. Patrick’s Day event has become such an important occasion in its own right, the fundraiser has become part of my life…just like holidays with family and friends. Boston Co-Chair Maura Barry, The New York Mortgage Co.

The Young Leaders choose the causes they support and are committed to assisting projects that invest in Ireland’s future, particularly charities that aid challenged youth and promote education and integration. New York’s Young Leaders regularly contribute to “Playing for Peace,” a cross community project which uses basketball — a sport with no religious or cultural affiliation in Northern Ireland — as a vehicle to bring together children from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Boston counts Boys Hope Girls Hope — a fund that helps academically capable and motivated children meet their full potential by providing family-like homes and educational opportunities — as one of their favorite charities. Another area that has gained support amongst the Young Leaders is suicide prevention and the treatment of depression — a growing problem in Ireland.

This has been such a rewarding experience for me, both personally and professionally. I never expected to become so involved when I attended my first event, now I wish I had done it sooner. New York Co-Chair Kevin Murray, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

In addition to their philanthropic endeavors, the program provides a valuable source for developing personal relationships and professional contacts. Dual Boston/New York member Kaitlyn Cafferky credits her involvement as a key way of meeting new people and establishing career leads. Cafferky comments “When I recently moved from New York back to my hometown of Boston, the AIF Young Leaders was one of the first calls I made…right there with the movers and a real estate agent.”Informed as much by Brian Boru as they are by Bono, the energy and vitality of the group has generated enthusiasm amongst AIF Board Members as well.

Bob McCann, President of Merrill Lynch, Inc. and 2006 New York May Gala honoree reflects “Our Young Leaders are an extraordinarily dynamic and driven group. They manage to combine deep concern for Ireland with having a lot of fun and delivering real support to those who need their help most. The monies they raise are probably the most important donations we secure because they represent a growing stake in the organization by its next wave of leaders. In their hands, the future of The American Ireland Fund is not just safe, but exciting and inspiring. They are the philanthropic heroes of tomorrow.”

If you would like to become involved with the Young Leaders Program in Boston
please contact us:
T - 617.574.0720
E - info@irlfunds.org