The NY Young Leaders Members Only Night at ‘The Fitz’ – 02.13.2008

The New York Young Leaders gathered on February 13th to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day season in style at a Members Only Night at "The Fitz", the newly refurbished lounge at the Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel.

The night began with a St. Patrick's Day Committee Meeting led by event co-chairs Robert Fox and Patrick Tully, who outlined the strategy for the Young Leaders to raise $200,000 at the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 13th at the Cipriani 23rd Street. The committee was then joined by other Young Leader members for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and popular Irish music.

Speaking at the event was Devon Tuohey of Peace Players International, an organization which seeks to bridge the Protestant-Catholic divide in Northern Ireland using the popular and neutral game of basketball. Playing for Peace was founded in 2001 on the premise that “children who play together can learn to live together.” Devon emphasized the importance of reaching children at a young age and breaking down the prejudices that have kept previous generations divided in Northern Ireland. Through the power of sport and education and the strategic integration of public diplomacy, Peace Players is altering the pattern of preconceived prejudice and equipping children with the skills and education needed to address the serious social and health issues they face.

Young Leader Pat Tully delighted the crowd with a lively auction for two tickets to see Ireland’s John Duddy fight on February 23rd at Madison Square Garden. This will probably be Duddy's last fight before the world championship and AIF member Tim Philips emerged as the victorious bidder. The evening was a wonderful success and marked the beginning of a great St. Patrick’s Day season.

If you would like more information about The Young Leaders or would like to attend the upcoming St. Patrick's Day event on March 13th, please contact Maureen Gillespie.