Washington : 16th National Gala : March 12, 2008

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On Wednesday March 12, The National Building Museum in Washington, DC opened its doors to The American Ireland Fund’s 16th National Gala. Hosted by Gala Chair, Gerald Cassidy, and Honorary Chairs; H.E. Michael Collins, H.E. Thomas C. Foley, and Sir Nigel Sheinwald, the evening welcomed 700 guests including distinguished politicians, business leaders, and friends of Ireland.

“The Greening of the Nation’s Capital” commenced with two cocktail receptions. Guests in the VIP Reception had a chance to mingle with the elite with the elegant sounds of the Crystal Strings. Down below in the lively General Reception one could enjoy the entertainment of Step Dancers and bag pipers or try their hand at the native tongue by sampling the new Rosetta Stone Irish language learning program.

Kingsley Aikins, President and CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds, welcomed our guests and introduced the local programs the proceeds would benefit: The Washington-Ireland Program and PeacePlayers International.

• View the video that was shown at the Dinner >

H.E. Michael Collins, the Irish Ambassador, also spoke to the audience on behalf of An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who had to be at a European Union meeting, to emphasize the need for continued support to further sustain success towards a sustained peace.

Distinguished Leadership Award
After dinner, under the direction of our gracious Mistress of Ceremonies, Norah O’Donnell, the Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to three prominent advocates for Ireland from the Hill: Congressman Edward J. Markey, Congressman Christopher Smith, and Senator Jack Reed.

Before guests were welcomed to the “Pub” Reception featuring elaborate dessert displays, an Irish coffee bar and the sounds of the acclaimed Irish band, Scythian, the raffle winner was drawn. The winner of the raffle received 2 premier round trip tickets to Dublin from Aer Lingus, 3 nights at The Shelbourne, 3 nights in Druids Glenn and a certificate for a Rosetta Stone language learning program.

The evening proved to be a complete success raising over $700,000 in support of The Ireland Fund’s programs of Peace and Reconciliation.

Photos
 
1 – Guests are entertained by the champion step dancers in the general reception
2 – Guest, Norah O’Donnell, Jack Quinn
3– Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi greets guests in the VIP Reception
4 – Ambassador Michael Collins, Sen. Jack Reed, Cong. Jim Langevin
5 – Cong. Chris Smith with his introducer, Elisa Massimino
6 – Cong. Patrick Murphy, Speaker Pelosi
7 – Speaker Pelosi, Cong. Ed Markey
8 - H.E. Michael Collins addresses the audience
9 – Kingsley Aikins
10 – Cong. Ed Markey tells a tale
11 – Cong. Ed Markey, Kingsley Aikins, Norah O’Donnell,
12 – Guests watch the PeacePlayers video
13 – Cong. Chris Smith, Kingsley Aikins, Norah O’Donnell, Elisa Massimino
14 – Sen. Jack Reed, Kingsley Aikins, Norah O’Donnell, Paul Quinn
15 – Norah O’Donnell, Mistress of Ceremonies
16 – Cong. Chris Smith
17 – Guests enjoy the Dessert Reception
18 – Scythian entertains
19 – Scythian entertains
20 - Kingsley Aikins, Norah O’Donnell pick a raffle ticket!