San Diego 23rd Annual Gala : March 4, 2006

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Thirty members of The Notre Dame Marching Band serenaded guests with an Irish medley as they arrived at the 2006 American Ireland Fund’s Gala & Auction held on March 4 at The Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. The band, led by a drum major, then marched inside and up to The Elizabeth Ballroom where they performed with great fanfare to get the evening’s festivities off to a rousing start. During the dinner, Michael Reidy was awarded The Robert A. MacNamara Literary & Arts Award, and Betsy Manchester received The Heritage Award.

A new category was added this year to the always-popular silent auction held during the cocktail reception. Appropriately titled 'Walk of Fame' this section featured a collection of autographed memorabilia that included signed pieces by John Wayne, Rosa Parks, and Walt Disney, among other notables.  A particular highlight was a rare autographed picture of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, set in a strikingly framed collage.

A spirited live auction was held during dinner, fueled by bidders competing for dream vacations, as well as a special 2006 Ryder Cup package in Ireland. 

The Celtic Tenors, entertainers from Dublin and always favorites at the San Diego Gala, performed after dinner. Dancing to the music of The Heroes followed. At the conclusion of the evening many of the guests then went on to the traditional sing-along held this year in Papa Doug and Betsy Manchester’s suite. Mike Reidy and the In Case Trio, as well as The Celtic Tenors, were there to entertain.

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Photos

1. Dean & Susie Spanos, Betsy & Papa Doug Manchester

2. Heritage Award recipient, Betsy Manchester

3. The Manchester Family with the Notre Dame Marching Band

4. Chuck Lemoine, Michael Thorsnes and Mike Reidy, recipient of The Robert A. MacNamara Literary & Arts Award.

5. Bob & Janie Sexton with The Notre Dame Marching Band

6. Molly & Ted Eldredge

7. Pat & Erin Connors

8. Wine Auction

9. Jeff & Shannon Diltz with "Mom" Reidy

10. Gail & Roger King with Rosemarie Gotthelf

11. Mike Reidy, Betsy Manchester, Bill Hall & Noel Hall singing "Toora Loora Loora"

12. Notre Dame Marching Band member

13. A scene from County Clare as backdrop on the stage

14. The Elizabeth Ballroom