April 2003 Message from the East Coast Director

The Growth of the AIF New York Gala

The growth of The American Ireland New York Gala over the past 5 years has been tremendous. In addition to attracting more guests than ever and regularly filling both balconies of the Waldorf's immense Grand Ballroom, the trajectory of the funds raised has been overwhelmingly positive, so that the dinner now habitually raises in excess of $2 million.

While attracting guests and attracting dollars are essential to a successful charity benefit event, in terms of the life and healthy future of the charity - attracting long-term committed benefactors remains key.

For this reason the 2003 New York Gala is a watershed event in the history of the AIF. Once again a huge amount of money has been raised for grass roots Irish charities, but most interesting is the fact that it has been raised through the combined hard work of the Dinner Chairmen from the previous 4 years, who returned to lead the dinner with real energy and a Committee with many veteran members.

Building A Tradition

Not only are we building a dinner, we are building a tradition. The AIF New York Gala has always been a bold, fun and glitzy night. Now, in its 28th year, it is even bigger, bolder and with a touch more glitz. For all this, the dinner remains a very personal night, with many familiar faces and distinct AIF charm.

Still, The Fund is not a closed shop; we do not have the corner on fun. We are always very glad to welcome new members - the more the merrier! Our co-honorees John Duffy and Tom O'Neill perfectly exemplify our 'make new friends, keep the old' attitude. John has been a valuable member of our Dinner Committee for the past 3 years and Tom became involved with us this year and already seems to be fitting in very well! They are two of the most important reasons for the night's success: we are thrilled to have both men involved with us and look forward to a bright future with each.

What has been gained & what has NOT been lost

You will see a combination of familiar faces and a number of people you may not recognize. That is good, that is fun, that is healthy. Make plans to be at next year's dinner to catch up with your old friends and to meet some new ones - all the while, raising funds crucial to the successful existence of so many worthy Irish charities throughout the Island, north and south.

Thank you on behalf of everybody in The American Ireland Fund and particularly the grantees you support. I wish you all a truly splendid evening.

Liza O'Connor
Senior East Coast Director