5th Annual AIF Philadelphia Golf Classic : 9.18.06

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As the golf gods once again provided a spectacular autumn afternoon (not to mention a bit of the luck o' the Irish), the 5th Annual AIF Philadelphia Golf Classic was one of a historic magnitude.  With $276,000 raised, the Philadelphia supporters exceeded the coveted $1 million mark in funds raised in a staggeringly brief five years - the total raised to date stands at $1.2 million.  Led by the tireless efforts of Chairman Dennis Durkin and Deputy Chairman Ward Fitzgerald the event was a resounding success with special thanks to CB Richard Ellis as this year's platinum sponsor. 

Once again, the 264 golfers took on the challenges brought by the magnificent courses at Philadelphia Cricket Club and The ACE Club. In gratitude to the unprecedented support provided by the Philadelphia community, it was decided to donate part of the proceeds from this year's Golf Classic to support major initiatives both locally and in Northern Ireland whose common mission is to bring young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds together to build communities based on acceptance and mutual respect.  As this year's recipients, Sister Jeanne McGowan of La Salle Academy in Philadelphia and the Reverend Bill Shaw of The 174 Trust in Belfast, Northern Ireland addressed over 250 supporters at the evening reception.

• La Salle Academy (Philadelphia, PA) - The inner-city neighborhoods served by La Salle Academy pesent a great need for such a mission. La Salle Academy brings together a very diverse ethnic student body and teaches these economically disadvantaged students who may not otherwise have means or access to a quality Catholic education.
  
  
• The 174 Trust in Belfast. In one of the most deprived areas of North Belfast – euphemistically known as the “Murder Mile” – this interdenominational Christian community development organization exists where youths of different religious persuasions are encouraged to meet, socialize, and learn.

Special thanks is extended to this year's Golf Committee and to the many individuals and companies who have supported The AIF for the past five years.

More info >

For more information:
Jim O'Connor
P - 617-694-9899
E - joconnor@irlfunds.org

Photo Index

1, Bob Walters, CB Richard Ellis

2. Chairman, Dennis Durkin addresses the crowd

3. Robert Fahey, Bob Walters, John Farris and friends

4. Kingsley Aikins speaks about Integrating & Educating initiative

5. Sr. Jeanne McGowan of La Salle Academy in Philadephia

6. Rev. Bill Shaw of The 174 Trust in Belfast, N.I.

7. Chairman, Dennis Durkin and Deputy Chairman, Ward Fitzgerald

8. The Winner's Trophy

9. The Philly Tenors

10. Mike Gallagher & Phil Cassidy lead a chorus

Militia Hill
11. Chris and Julie Lange, Alicia and Fran Van Kirk
12. 1st Place
13. 2nd Place

ACE:
14. 1st Place - Ron Petersen, Paul Lahiff, John McCrudden, Mike Gallagher
15. 2nd Place - Drew Guinan, Bill Fromholzer, Bob Doman, George McGovern

Wissahickon:
16. 1st Place - Bob Elker, Ted Friel, Bud Dillon, Tom McGowan
17. 2nd Place