Desmond Tutu Leadership Forum : 9.24.07

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On September 24th, Nobel Laureate and champion of human rights, Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited The American Ireland Fund for a luncheon and open discussion with a group of top AIF supporters.

Tutu was greeted most warmly by attendees with a standing ovation upon his arrival. Captivating the guests, the Archbishop spoke anecdotally of the racial struggles in South Africa and the end of the Apartheid. He described the central process of forgiveness in healing an injured society. He talked of the need for a similar process to reconcile the two communities in Northern Ireland.

Irish entrepreneur and philanthropist Niall Mellon, Founder, Niall Mellon Township Trust also spoke about his work in South Africa to combat homelessness. He announced that his Trust would soon open the world’s first not-for-profit housing factory which could produce 10,000 units a year and transform the homeless situation. He thanked The American Ireland Fund supporters for all of their help and inspiration in Ireland which has facilitated the Irish in embracing the concept of philanthropy. Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman, The American Ireland Fund praised Niall’s great work. It is tremendous to see philanthropy taking hold in Ireland.

Finally, on behalf of all of the guests, Mrs. Brennan Glucksman thanked Archbishop Tutu for his inspiration, encouragement and warm words. It was a treat to welcome to The Fund such and uncompromising figure and icon of human dignity.

Photo Index
1 - Archbishop Desmond Tutu
2 - Kieran McLoughlin, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Niall Mellon
3 - John Connorton, Niall Mellon, Tim Phillips, Niall Burgess, Kevin Murray, Kieran McLoughlin, Michael Higgins and Brian Ruane
4 - Matthew McBride, Donal McSullivan
5 - Ken Gorman and Tim Phillips
6 - Guests Enjoying lunch
7 - Declan Kelly and Tom Meagher
8 - Archbishop Desmond Tutu
9 - Niall Mellon
10 - Desmond Tutu and Loretta Brennan Glucksman
11 - Sheila O'Malley, Tom Moran and Bart Murphy
12 - Brian Jacobs and Niall Mellon
13 - Gavin Bonnar, Cindy McCann, Sheila O'Malley and Tom Moran
14 - Claire Giarratana-Chimento, Kevin Murray, Archbishop Tutu and Matthew McBride