Washington : National Gala 2003

• more photos >

Send any photo as an ecard to your friends!

 The Washington National Dinner Gala on March 17th 2003 entertained over 1100 guests ranging from Senators, Ambassadors, distinguished guests from the US, North and South of Ireland, American Ireland Fund Board Directors and Staff Members.

Bono at The Ireland Funds' Humanitarian Award
(525k - 4 mins. at 33k)

Bono at The AIF Humanitarian Award - "The Activist"
(4MB - 25 mins. download time at 33k - QuickTime required)

Bono at The Humanitarian Award : Full Speech
(6MB | .mp3 | speech is 30 minutes long)

The National Building Museum was the perfect setting for dinner with the main hall overflowing with color. The orange lights radiated between the four pillars creating a lively and extravagant atmosphere. Susan O'Neill and Associates meticulously planned each table with contrasting tones of orange, green and blue tableware.

The evening started off with cocktails and guests mingling around 'the pub'. Then they proceeded to their tables for the beginning of the speeches. Kingsley Aikins welcomed everyone to the gala and introduced AIF Board Director, Father Bartley MacPhaidin for the invocation. Dinner was served shortly after and I enjoyed salmon en croûte and lamb medallions served with peppers and 'champ'.

After dinner and coffee, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund, introduced Secretary of Health and Human Services, The Honorable Tommy Thompson to the audience. Mr. Thompson entertained the guests with his amusing take on current issues. He then introduced Bono, renowned lead singer of U2, and presented him with The American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award.

Bono gave a rapturous speech that was followed by many standing ovations.

At the completion of Bono's speech, Kingsley Aikins proudly announced that The American Ireland Fund was contributing $1 million to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The events will be held outside the US for the first time and 160 nations around the world will travel to Ireland to compete in the games. This will mark the largest sporting event in Ireland's history. Rita Lawlor, a board member and athlete of the Special Olympics, then spoke of her achievements as an athlete and spokesperson for the games; her speech touched the hearts of the guests and brought the audience to their feet.

Upon the completion of the speeches, distinguished guests and members in attendance proceeded to 'the pub' and were entertained by the traditional music of 'Gaelic Storm'.

more photos >