College O’ Physicians - Philadelphia Young Leaders : 5.15.08

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Thursday May 15, 2008: The Philadelphia Young Leaders gathered to host their inaugural fundraiser at the elegant College of Physicians in downtown historic Philadelphia. The stately venue served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the newest addition to The American Ireland Fund Young Leaders program.

Led by Philadelphia Young Leader chairperson, Brian Kent, the committee chose two worthy organizations to benefit from their fundraising efforts on the night: PeacePlayers International and Coaches vs. Cancer. The program also featured two local Philadelphia luminaries - Fran Dunphy, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Temple University and Patrick Meehan, United States Attorney. Both spoke about their pride in their Irish heritage, and the importance of supporting the community philanthropically. AIF Philadelphia Board Member Dennis Durkin and New York Regional Director Maureen Gillespie also addressed the group, emphasizing the worthwhile projects supported by The American Ireland Fund and the enormous potential of the Philadelphia Young Leaders.

The event attracted over 100 of Philadelphia’s brightest young Irish-American professionals and was a testament to the commitment of dynamic committee.

Committee

PeacePlayers International
In most societies sport is a unifying factor. However the opposite is the case in Northern Ireland where the sport a child plays or even the team they support can indicate the side of the community from which they come. PeacePlayers International has introduced the neutral sport of basketball to Northern Ireland in an effort to prevent the prejudice of the past from besetting the next generation. A sport with no connection to either tradition, it is a threat to neither and can be played by both.

Coaches vs. Cancer: 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Coaches vs. Cancer which is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living.

Photos
1. Mike Schafle, Josh McNamara, Tom Young, Brian Kent
2. Brian Kent, Chris Fallon, Josh McNamara, Mike Schafle, Maureen Gillespie, Kevin Kent, Kevin Maloney, Brendan May, Tom Young
3. Dennis Durkin
4. Kevin Maloney, guest, Brendan May
5. Veronica Ryan, Jim Lynch
6. Brian Kent, Dennis Durkin, Pat Meehan, guest, Kevin Kent
7. One of the Philadelphia Young Leaders bidding on a silent auction item
8. Philadelphia Young Leaders at the College O’ Physicians with John Kent of Kent & McBride
9. Brian Kent, chair of the committee, welcoming everyone to the Philadelphia Young Leaders’ College O’ Physicians event
10. Coach Fran Dunphy and US Attorney Pat Meehan

Information: Kieran McLoughlin
P - 212-689-3100
E - kmcloughlin@irlfunds.org