The American Ireland Fund Women's Luncheon : 10.16.07

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On Tuesday October 16th, over 300 guests gathered for The American Ireland Fund Women's Luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco. This unique sold-out event attracted an enthusiastic group who enjoyed a bustling reception before an elegant lunch and presentation by Regional Director, Marjorie Muldowney.

Ms. Muldowney welcomed everyone and recognized the important role played by General Chair and national AIF Board Director Maryon Davies Lewis in making the event so successful, as well as the support of the Luncheon Chairs: Hon. Michela Alioto-Pier, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and Meagan Levitan. Honorary Chairs Gaby Jackson Renstrom, Mary Driscoll Toboni and Kathleen Ryan were also thanked for their great support. Marjorie Muldowney paid special tribute to Peace Players and the inroads they have have made in Northern Ireland towards engaging thousands of children into the neutral game of basketball. This program now has over 4,000 active players, Catholic and Protestant.

San Francisco businesswoman and philanthropist, Dede Wilsey, was the guest speaker who described the challenges associated with fundraising, emphasizing that what counts most is passion for the project. Mrs. Wilsey's late husband, Al Wilsey, was very proud of his Irish roots - McCarthys from Cork, and was a generous supporter of the San Francisco American Ireland Fund.

The guest list included Consul-General Emer Deane and Vice-Consul Una Fannon, Gayle Evans, wife of the British Consul-General, Janet Reilly, as well as Luncheon Committee Members: Eileen Moore Murphy, Agnes Anderson, Tara Arnold, Sheila O'Connor Burns, Kathy Grogan, Sheila O'Day Kiernan, Ginny Kavanaugh, Denise LaPointe, Sheila McWilliams, Maura Morey, and Rita O'Hara. Also present were AIF Board Members Bart Murphy and Pauline Ryan along with Tom Heneghan of Tourism Ireland, Melissa Clary of Invest Northern Ireland and guests of Enterprise Ireland.

The luncheon wrapped up with a special drawing for a spectacular luxurious trip to Ireland, thanks to the support of Tourism Ireland and Aer Lingus, and was won by Jane Walsh, wife of AIF Board Member Bill Walsh. As guests left with their gift bags filled with Barry's tea, brown bread and Lily O'Brien's Chocolates, there were lots of smiles and plans for "Same time next year!".

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Photo Index

1 - Dede Wilsey, Guest Speaker
2 - Marjorie Muldowney, Regional Director, with Luncheon Chairs Kathleen Ryan, Meagan Levitan, Joanne Hayes-White, Michela Alioto-Pier, Mary Driscoll Toboni
3 - Joanne Hayes-White, Mary Driscoll Toboni, Kathleen Ryan
4 - Sharon Winnike, Dolores Martinez, Maria Lonergan
5 - Sheila Thurston and Deanna Moore
6 - Marjorie Muldowney and Dede Wilsey
7. Bart & Eileen Murphy with Patrick Meade
8 - Suzi Tinsley, Patricia Hunter Lucey, Tara Arnold
9 - Janet Reilly, Gaby Jackson, & guest
10 - Meagan Levitan & Dale Carlson
11 - Trudi Trygg, Christina Gray, Maria Lonergan, Dana Clevenger
12 - Marjorie Muldowney, Regional Director
13 - Ita Buckley and Veronique Miro
14 - Maryon Davies Lewis, guest, Sheila McWilliams
15 - Jane Walsh, Grand Prize Winner!
16 - Helen Wilmot greets Diane Roberts