6 May 2004 : Gala Dinner

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For the 3rd consecutive year the Annual New York Gala raised in excess of $2,000,000!

Dinner Chairman Robert McCann chaired the Dinner working closely with Honorary Dinner Chairmen Christopher "Kip" Condron and Phillip J. Purcell. Bob led a tireless Dinner Committee in an amazing effort to sustain and develop the gala event and reached the amazing goal of $2.5 million!

The AIF was proud to present the 3rd annual Leslie C. Quick Jr. Leadership Award to Dinner honoree Eugene M. McQuade, President & COO, FleetBoston Financial Corporation. Gene received this honor in recognition of his considerable dedication and generosity to The American Ireland Fund, both in Boston and New York. Fellow Pittsburgh native, Bob McCann presented The American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award to Ireland Funds co-founder Dan and Pat Rooney, followed by a stunning performance by New York's own Irish Tenor, Ronan Tynan.

The American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award

Daniel and Patricia Rooney

The American Ireland Fund’s Humanitarian Award will be presented to Dan and Patricia Rooney. Dan and Pat have been deeply committed to the AIF since Dan co-founded it with Sir Anthony O’Reilly nearly 30 years ago. The inspirational manner in which they lead their lives and their tremendous contribution to charitable causes, make the Rooneys most deserving of this award.

Dan was born on Pittsburgh’s North Side and is the oldest son of the late Art Rooney. Dan Rooney is in his 45th year with the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His distinguished career with the NFL began before the age of 21 when he started negotiating players’ contracts. Dan has emerged as one of the most active and respected executives in the National Football League.

Dan somehow finds time in his full schedule to benefit causes dedicated to education, the poor and the underprivileged. Dan Rooney’s charitable activities include: The American Ireland Fund, The United Way of America, The American Diabetes Association, The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Like her husband, Patricia Regan Rooney is a native of Pittsburgh’s North Side. While raising 9 children, Patricia found the time to devote herself to community interests, which are diversified and typical of her personal commitment to improve the quality of life in the Pittsburgh area. She was instrumental in reviving the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army and was one of the early volunteers of Project Bundle-Up, a highly successful Salvation Army program to provide winter clothing for needy children and the elderly. She recently completed service on the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army.

Patricia has served on the Board of Advisors of the Pittsburgh Symphony, the International Poetry Forum, the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), and the Rehabilitation Institute. She is also active with the American Diabetes Association. Currently her most enjoyable activity is being a doting grandmother to 16 grandchildren.

2004 Leslie C. Quick Jr. Leadership Award

Eugene M. McQuade

Through this award the AIF is proud to recognize business leaders who have distinguished themselves through outstanding philanthropic generosity and commitment to bettering the lives of people in Ireland. On the night of the Gala, the third annual Leslie C. Quick Jr. Leadership Award will be presented to Eugene M. McQuade, a longtime friend and generous supporter of the AIF both in New York and in Boston.

Eugene M. McQuade is President and Chief Operating Officer of FleetBoston Financial, the country’s seventh largest bank with assets of $200 billion. He is responsible for managing the corporation’s main business lines – personal financial services, commercial financial services and wealth management.

Upon the completion of the Bank of America/FleetBoston Financial merger, Gene McQuade will become the President of the new company.

A 30-year veteran in the financial services industry, Gene joined Fleet in 1992 and served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer for ten years with responsibility for the company’s overall financial function. Prior to joining Fleet, Gene McQuade was with New York-based Manufacturers Hanover Corporation, a predecessor of JP Morgan Chase, where he was an Executive Vice President and Controller.

Mr. McQuade is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and serves on its board of trustees. In addition, he is actively involved with a number of organizations including: The American Ireland Fund, The American Institute of CPAs. The Financial Services Roundtable, The Financial Services Forum, and The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. A native of New York City, Gene McQuade was recently honored by the Arts and Business Council of New York for positioning FleetBoston Financial as a leader in the arts.

If you would like to become a member of The American Ireland Fund, please click on our AIF Membership link:

For more information on The Young Leaders please contact
Kieran McLoughlin: kmcloughlin@irlfunds.org

Report on AIF’s 29th Annual New York Dinner Gala
by Lorraine Ryan (visiting intern : Boston office)

New York City’s social elite descended on the spectacular Waldorf-Astoria, which provided the perfect backdrop for the 29th Annual New York Dinner Gala. The evening commenced with a cocktail reception where 1,400 guests mingled and greeted old friends, before moving into the resplendent and lavishly decorated Grand Ballroom. This breathtaking room emanated the night’s fun and colorful theme perfectly. Tables were draped in striking yellow fabric, while chairs were covered in vibrant oranges, reds, blues and greens. Dramatic floral arrangements adorned the center of each table which were surrounded by miniature candles.

Kingsley Aikins, President of The Worldwide Ireland Funds got the evening under way by saying a few welcoming words, before inviting Honorary Chairman Christopher M. “Kip” Condron to present The Leslie C. Quick Leadership Award to Eugene M. McQuaid, President & COO of FleetBoston Financial Corporation.

Robert J. McCann, the Dinner Chairman then took to the stage to present The American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award to Dan and Patricia Rooney. Following the invocation by Rev. Jeffrey Von Arks, guests enjoyed an exquisite three-course meal.

As guests relaxed with tea and coffee, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, President of The American Ireland Fund introduced the evening’s musical performance, Ronan Tynan. Ronan is known for his stirring performances as a member of the world-famous Irish Tenors. Ronan’s gift for storytelling is as well known to his fans as his vocal talents, and his song introductions revealed the emotional significance of each selection. He gave an impassioned performance, which enthralled and captivated guests.

Following Kingsley Aikins’ closing remarks, guests retreated to the elegant East Foyer for dancing and an Irish coffee bar. Gaelforce, one of the most successful groups on the Celtic music scene, delivered an energetic performance of favorite traditional Irish songs, which before long had guests on the dance floor. A wonderful evening was had by all and an impressive $2.5 million dollars was raised to fund projects in the Republic and North of Ireland.