San Diego 2002

The 19th Annual San Diego American Ireland Fund Gala at the Manchester Grand Hyatt last February attracted more than 700 guests.

They turned out to honor Mayor Dick Murphy and greet the family of Richie Allen Jr., a New York fireman who lost his life In the World Trade Center tragedy.

Two auctions -both silent and live- were added to this year's festivities.

The gala's principal sponsor was SBC Pacific Bell.

Other sponsors included Delta Airlines, Kerry and Beth Steigerwalt, Dan and Mary Mulvihill, Lou and Judy Ferrero, Douglas and Betsy Manchester, John and Cathy Lynch, Brian and Gerri Monaghan and John and Becky Moores.

Guests were entertained by Irish Tenor, Ronan Tynan and at the end of the evening the crowd joined him in singing 'God Bless America'.

Photos

1 San Diego firefighters, with Fire Department of New York's Bobby McGuire, Richie Allen Jr.'s Uncle, who accepted the Valor Award on behalf of Richie Allen's family (top row, center)

2 The San Diego Silent Auction

3 Ronan Tynan, one of The Irish Tenors

4 Consul General of Ireland, Donal Denham with Mayor Dick Murphy &Karl Mellon

5 The winning bidder: Mike Reidy

6 Judith Allen pays tribute to her fallen brother Richie.

7 Co-Chairpersons, Gail Gotthelf & Mike Thorsnes

8 Ed Chapin and Steve Parker

9 San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy & FDNY's Bobby McGuire