The NY Young Leaders Summer in the City - 7.12.07

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Under a dazzling sky, over 180 New York Young Leaders gathered to celebrate the summer season at Harbour Lights Restaurant. Featuring unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the venue provided a cool, seaside atmosphere with a dash of Irish charm. Entertainment included jazz tunes by Irish musical ensemble, Celtic Cross, a spirited live auction and raffle prizes inspired by popular weekend summer getaway destinations, including Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and of course, Ireland.

Speakers on the night included AIF NY Regional Director Maureen Gillespie, who welcomed guests, and Young Leader Tom Kennedy. Tom also works closely with Project Children, an organization that arranges US internships for Catholic and Protestant youths from Northern Ireland, providing them the shared opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on neutral terrain. Current Project Children intern Marguerite Bradley also spoke about her experience and the huge impact the program has already had on her life.

Two feature raffle prizes included a holiday at Mount Falcon Country House Hotel in Ireland, and a behind-the-scenes tour and lunch on the set of Denis Leary’s hit TV show Rescue Me. The live auction prize, won by Mark Moran, included two first class roundtrip tickets to any destination in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and South America serviced by Continental Airlines.

The New York Young Leaders is a key program of the AIF, attracting young, successful friends of Ireland dedicated to supporting philanthropic causes throughout the island of Ireland. Following the success of the St Patrick's Day Celebration, "Summer in the City" puts the Young Leaders well on the way to achieving their goal of raising more than $1 million over a five year period.

If you are interested in learning more about The Young Leaders, please contact Maureen Gillespie at The American Ireland Fund at 212.689.3100 or mgillespie@irlfunds.org