19th Pittsburgh Dinner Gala

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The American Ireland Fund Pittsburgh Dinner Gala, held at Heinz Field on March 15, 2008

Streets littered with the remnants of St. Patrick's Day parade-goers led to a pot of gold in the home of the black and gold. More than $900,000 was raised Saturday evening during The annual American Ireland Fund Pittsburgh Dinner Gala in Heinz Field, a celebration with a decidedly green theme.

Some 700 guests in green tie and gowns turned out to honor Sidney Patrick Crosby, who received the AIF Chairman's Award for leadership in community and charitable activities. Mr. Crosby was joined by his father, Troy Crosby, who flew in from Halifax for the gala, and by Pittsburgh Penguins president David Morehouse. The dinner was co-chaired by Mr. Morehouse and Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, who co-founded the AIF with Sir Anthony O'Reilly 32 years ago to support programs of peace, culture, education and community development throughout Ireland.

The evening began with cocktails in Crosby's Pub, otherwise known as the East Club Lounge. Helping to create a wee bit of that Emerald Isle feeling was an assortment of Irish entertainment, including the band Guaranteed Irish and the Burke-Conroy School of Irish Dance troupe. Mr. Crosby kindly posed for photos as he mingled before the brief program emceed by The Ireland Funds CEO Kingsley Aikins, which included a video of Mr. Crosby ("I wish he was a football player," Mr. Rooney quipped) and acceptance remarks. "The best of luck to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. We're a small community of athletes in this city, and I'd just like to see them do well," Mr. Crosby said.

A hearty dinner of lump crab, filet of beef and warm chocolate souffle followed, along with dancing to Sputzy and the Soul Providers. Among those finding it easy to be green were Bishop David Zubik, County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, state Rep. Tim Murphy, Pat Rooney, Greta and Art Rooney III, Sy Holzer, Chris and Ann Donohue, Nancy and David Malone, Paula and David Sculley, Susan and Steve McGalla, Ann and Marty McGuinn, Julie and Michael Langley, Steve and Helen Hanna Casey, Jim Broadhurst, Hoddy and Mary Anne Hanna, Sandra Danoff. Sally Wiggin, Kevin Mullen, David and Susan Matter, Ron Painter, Patty Paytos, Jimmy Dunn, Kelley and Michael Mullen, Jack and Lisa Barbour, Christine Astorino, Ron Petnuch, Lynn and Ron Davenport, Rob and Sarah Woodings, Dennis Huber and Faye Sampson, John and Catharine Ryan, Pam and Ken McCrory, and Larry Richert, who emceed the reception.  ~ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Seen Column

Photos

1. Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Patrick Crosby, 2008 recipient of the American Ireland Fund Chairman’s Award.
2. National Aviary Community Outreach Manager Erin Estelle introduces Sidney Crosby to Simon, the African Penguin.
3. AIF President and CEO Kingsly Aikens, Pittsburgh Penguins President David Morehouse, Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney.
4. Sidney Crosby (center) with his father, Troy Crosby and Dan Rooney
5. Dan & Patricia Rooney, Sidney Crosby, David and Vanessa Morehouse
6. Dan & Patricia Rooney with granddaughter Sarah Rooney and Sidney Crosby
7. Mike & Julie Langley, Brendan & Linda D’Andrea, Richard & Sandy Thomas.
8. Lisa, Andrew and Jack Barbour
9. South Fayette High School “Little Green Machine” Marching Band
10. Brenda, Ronald and Kristin Cypher
11. Sidney Crosby signs autographs for young fans
12. Heinz Field
13. Students from the Burke-Conroy School of Irish Dance
14. David & Vanessa Morehouse, Susan & Steve McGalla
15. Nancy & David Malone with daughter Cally and son Zach
16. Guests practiced their slap shots in the Pub Reception.
17. Barbara, Eric and Vanessa Wallace
18. Kenneth Hines, Aaron Walton, Dr. Gloria Walton & Dr. Mary Hines
19. Kelly & Michael Mullen
20. Ann McGuinn & Ann Donahue
21-22. Guests