San Francisco Gala Dinner Dance : 5 March 2004

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This was a big night for the Irish in San Francisco! 500 supporters and friends of the Fund joined us in the Grand Ballroom to welcome honorees San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and his father, the Hon. Bill Newsom.

They were introduced by the Mayors' stunning wife, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, currently on assignment as CNN legal analyst in New York.

Dinner chairs, Maureen and Craig Sullivan, steered us through a packed program of music and entertainment. Rev. Stephen Privett, S.J., President, University of San Francisco led the invocation.

Board Member, Maryon Davies Lewis presented the honorees with their Distinguished Leadership Awards and they spoke eloquently about their fondness for Ireland and family.

Tenor Emmanuel Lawler, accompanied by pianist Mark Armstrong, did a sensational job with "Danny Boy". Dave Martin's House Party band produced a "Can't Stop Dancing!" range of party hits that had guests swinging from dance floor to stage.

Patrick Meade of Bonhams and Butterfields auctioned off 3 fabulous items that were snapped up fast. Board Member, Bill Walsh, was the winning bidder for the Deluxe Irish holiday (3 nights at The Merrion in Dublin, 3 nights at Ashford Castle and 3 nights at Dromoland Castle along with round-trip airfare). Ambassador Committee member, Bart Murphy outbid everyone for the Winegeese Collection of superb wines and Dinner Chair, Craig Sullivan was the winning bidder on the Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley Getaway.

A big thank you to the Moore School of Irish Dance for entertaining us during cocktails with their gorgeous costumes and great steps. Thanks also to piper, Bob Baker, whose tunes awaken the spirit of Ireland in all of us.

Congratulations to Craig and Maureen on chairing this wonderful evening of warmth and fun!

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The 174 Trust in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Trust were represented by Bill Shaw.

Thank you to all who attended for your support.

Photos

0. Dinner Chairs, Maureen and Craig Sullivan
1. Maureen Sullivan and Meagan Levitan
2. Tara Arnold and guests
3. Frank Sinnott, Joe McGee, Beverley Borcherding, Randy Borcherding
4. guest and San Francisco's 2004 Rose of Tralee, Siobhan McDonagh
5. Nola Masterson and Bruce Jenett
6. Ken Hagan and guests at Kevin & Sonja O'Brien's table
7. John Ryan, Neasa Hegarty, Hon. Donal Denham, Ruth and Richard Mattern, Pauline Ryan, John Hegarty, Siobhan Denham (standing)
8. Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom
9. Mayor Gavin Newsom, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom, Hon. Bill Newsom
10. Tenor Emmanuel Lawler accompanied by pianist, Mark Armstrong
11. Ambassador Committee Members:
Peter Renstrom, Marjorie Muldowney, Nola Masterson, Gabriel Jackson Renstrom, Craig and Maureen Sullivan, Jerry Reardon, Tim Lucey, Pauline Ryan, Rod Burns, Helen Wilmot, Sheila Burns McWilliams, Tim McGowan.
12. Traditional Irish music played by The Gas Men
13. The beautiful ballroom.
14. Tim and Patricia Lucey
15. Marjorie Muldowney, Helen Wilmot, Gabriel Jackson Renstrom, Peter Renstrom.
16. Brian Mullins and friends
17. Frank Sinnott (2nd left), Gisella McKeller, Mike Raddie
18. Tom and Martina Murphy and guests
19. Hon. Bill Newsom, Mayor Jerry Brown, Maryon Davies Lewis
20. Jon Folan, guest, Red Fay, Anita Fay
21. Bill Shaw of 174 Trust with John and Pauline Ryan
22.Dave Martin's House Party entertain guests on the ballroom dance floor
23. Jack Hafner and Bart Murphy
24. Beautiful Irish Dancers!