San Francisco Dinner Gala   :  Friday, March 3, 2006

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On Friday March 3rd, the San Francisco American Ireland Fund Gala Dinner was held at the St. Francis Hotel. Honorees Joan and Jack McGraw received the Distinguished Leadership Award, to the delight of their family and friends who had travelled from Nebraska, San Diego and Palm Desert to join in the festivities.

Sheila McWillliams was the presenter for the evening and was joined at the podium by Fr. Clement Davenport who gave the invocation. Honorary dinner chair, Bill Walsh spoke in glowing terms about the McGraws and described how loved and treasured they are by so many. Eldest son, Mike McGraw, did a terrific job of introducing his parents, peppering his speech with a bunch of light anecdotes, promising his Mother that he will never say "very unique" again! It was clear that the McGraws mean so much to so many and were rightfully cheered when they took the stage and wrapped up their speech with "Let's party!'

Last year's honoree, Jon Folan and his wife Gail were there along with Craig and Maureen Sullivan and Bart and Eileen Murphy. Other former honorees enjoying the party included Kevin O'Brien (congratulations on the birth of his new baby girl!) and Red Fay. Dinner Committee members were out in strength including Tara Arnold, John Hartnett, Gaby Jackson Renstrom, Phil Kearney, Tim Lucey, Nola Masterson, Maura Morey, Brian Mullins, Greg Murphy, Jerry Reardon, Kathleen Ryan, Suzi Tinsley, Mary Toboni and Helen Wilmot. San Francisco Firechief, Joanne Hayes-White came along with her family and U.S. State Attorney, Kevin Ryan and his wife Anne were there too.

Auctioneer Patrick Meade of Bonhams & Butterfields got the crowd bidding feverishly for a small number of exclusive items. Bill and Jane Walsh were the winning bidders on the Ultimate Ireland trip, while longtime supporter Frank Sinnott took home the Director's Collection of Winegeese wine. John Noonan managed to outbid everyone for John Hartnett's Tahoe Donner vacation home and Tara Walsh was excited to be the winning bidder on Brian and Marianne Mullins' beautiful condominium in Palm Desert.

Entertainment was provided by the Celtic Tenors and their rendition of Danny Boy left everyone stirred. The evening wrapped up with Dick Bright's SRO dance band and the once again, John and Pauline Ryan along with their family and friends closed down the dance floor at the end of the night! 

Congratulations and thanks to Maryanne Murray, dinner coordinator, for another fabulous Gala Dinner.

Save the date for next year's San Francisco event, Friday March 9th 2007 at the St. Francis Hotel!

Photos

0. Dinner
1. Joan and Jack McGraw
2. Bruce Jenett, Nola Masterson, Mary and Joe Toboni
3. Dinner Committee
4. Pauline and John Ryan
5. Jack McGraw, Kevin Ryan, US State Attorney, with Guests
6. Bart and Eileen Murphy
7. Mr. and Mrs. Pat Gallagher (right) with Guests
8. Gaby Jackson Renstrom, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White with her mom Pat, Peter Renstrom
9. Bob Ferris and Guests
10. Chuck Hamilton, Fiona, Jon Folan
11. Mary and Joe Toboni and Guests
12. enjoying the night!
13. Greg and Allison Murphy
14. Chris Ryan and guest
15. Kathleen Ryan (right) with friends
16. enjoying the night!