AIF Philadelphia Golf Classic 2004

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Message from the AIF Philadelphia Golf Classic Chairman
James J. Lynch

Having been involved with the American Ireland Fund for the past several years, I have had the opportunity to witness the growth of the Philadelphia Golf Classic from its foundation in 2002 to the marvelous success which we witness today. It is with great pride and pleasure that I serve as this year's golf Chairman.

With your help and the help of many others in Philadelphia's vibrant Irish community, this year's AIF Philadelphia Golf Classic has evolved even more fortuitously. I hope you share in my happiness that we, together, have raised more than $250,000 for projects of Peace and Reconciliation, Arts and Culture, Education and Community Development throughout Ireland, North and South.

I am filled with a great sense of pride when I hear that our city has become the fastest growing division of the American Ireland Fund nationwide. It is only with the most profoundly felt gratitude, that I thank you for your support of this worthy cause. Whether you are an ongoing supporter of the AIF or today is your maiden voyage, I thank you once more, but also urge you to grow closer to this just and far-reaching cause. With your continued support the American Ireland Fund will remain as the paramount conduit to effecting permanent and positive change throughout Ireland.

On behalf of the 2004 Golf Committee, Cead Mile Failte agus Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat - one hundred thousand welcomes and thank you very much.

James J. Lynch
Chairman and CEO, Sovereign Bank Mid-Atlantic

Thanks to all of you here this evening, Philadelphia is still the fastest growing chapter of the American Ireland Fund. It is simply staggering to witness the ongoing surge of interest in and support of the AIF in the City of Brotherly Love.

Building upon the success of our Inaugural Philadelphia Golf Classic back in 2002, last year's Classic was an unbridles success raising over $200,000. To imagine that only one year later, you have managed to increase that figure to $250,000 is truly remarkable and a testament to the loyal support and hard work of all of our friends in Philadelphia. Well done and congratulations to Jim Lynch and indeed the entire Golf Committee.

As many of you know, the American Ireland Fund has just successfully completed its five year $100 million Hope & History Campaign, managing to raise a total of $110,000. This endeavor has highlighted the great need that still exists in Ireland today, and the subsequent urgency to extend the AIF's base of support to every major city across the nation. And whether the call was for funds to support the World Special Olympics Summer Games, or to deepen the positive, generational impact that integrated education has on "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland--or any of the 250 projects that the AIF funds each year--our old and new friends alike have been quick to answer the call.

Our friends and supporters of the AIF in Philadelphia have been at the forefront of this charge. In the past 3 years, you have accomplished several major milestones, including:

Raising more than $500,000 for projects through our now annual golf program, making the Philadelphia Golf Classic our most successful golf fundraiser in the country.

The appointment of Fran Van Kirk to the AIF's Board of Trustees, alongside fellow Philadelphia supporter Patrick J. O'Connor.

The presentation of the Inaugural Philadelphia Leadership Award to Dennis and Audrey Durkin.

The success of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Ireland Fund over the past three years is amazing and is set to continue growing faster than ever. Thanks to you, the future of the American Ireland Fund, and the futures of the Irish people who directly benefit from your philanthropy, looks brighter than ever.

Congratulations again. Best wishes for an enjoyable day on the links and at the festivities that follow. And here's to many more milestones for AIF-Philadelphia.

Kingsley Aikins
President and CEO, The American Ireland Fund