American Ireland Fund 2008 New York Gala Raises Over $3.5 Million

NEW YORK, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,300 guests gathered last evening at the American Ireland Fund's 33rd Annual New York Gala at the Tent at Lincoln Center to honor acclaimed Irish actor Liam Neeson and renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist, Lewis L. Glucksman, who passed away in 2006. The event raised over $3.5 million for important projects in Ireland, including a $1 million gift to PeacePlayers International, an organization that brings Catholic and Protestant children in Northern Ireland together through the neutral sport of basketball.

A native of Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson, accompanied by his wife, actress Natasha Richardson, received the 2008 Performing Arts Award. The AIF honored Mr. Neeson at this year's event for his contribution to film and theatre over the past 30 years, and for the friendship and support he has shown The American Ireland Fund through the time he has volunteered to help promote its mission.

Commenting on the honor he received, Liam Neeson said, "Enormous strides have been made in my native Northern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated by political, social and economic changes that came about through a combination of courage, generosity and persistence. The American Ireland Fund has been instrumental in investing in some of the deeper social changes that are needed and has tirelessly supported peace, education, the arts and reconciliation projects on the island of Ireland. I am proud to have been able to play a part in the American Ireland Fund's efforts and am honored to be part of the continuing transition underway in Ireland."

Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of the American Ireland Funds, accepted the 2008 Humanitarian Award on behalf of her husband, the late Lewis L. Glucksman, renowned Wall Street leader and philanthropist. The AIF posthumously honored Mr. Glucksman for his tireless dedication to Ireland. Throughout his life he helped to raise funds for many of the peace and educational initiatives of the AIF; promoted reconciliation in Northern Ireland; reached out to those excluded from the benefits of the Celtic Tiger in the Republic of Ireland; and supported Irish arts. His devotion inspired the creation with his wife, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, of a Center for Irish Studies at NYU, a vision realized with the establishment of Glucksman Ireland House in 1993.

Former Irish international rugby star, Trevor Ringland, accepted a $1 million donation from the AIF on behalf of PeacePlayers International in Northern Ireland. PeacePlayers uses the neutral game of basketball to address sectarianism challenges and foster mutual respect and tolerance by enabling Catholic and Protestant children to play the game together. Basketball, unlike traditional sports in Northern Ireland, is not affiliated with either community. By competing together on mixed teams on a regular basis, children from these historically divided groups are discovering common ground and forging new friendships. Prejudices are being overcome by the desires to play, have fun and win. This donation is expected to increase the number of children participating in the PeacePlayers International program three-fold.

Commenting on the success of this year's gala, AIF CEO, Kieran McLoughlin, said: "It is a credit to both the philanthropists and the wider patronage of the Gala that this year's event is among the most successful in our 33-year history. It is also noteworthy that over a third of a million dollars came from Ireland itself this year, an indication that the roots of philanthropy that the Ireland Funds has been sowing in Ireland are starting to yield fruit. Home-grown Irish philanthropy is ready for take off."

The 2008 Dinner Co-Chairs of the 2008 American Ireland Fund dinner are Christopher M. Condron, President and CEO of AXA Financial, Inc. and Robert McCann, President, Global Private Clients, Merrill Lynch Inc. The success of the Dinner was driven by a committee of 73 business and philanthropic leaders of whom 13 are based in Ireland.

Notes to Editors

About The Ireland Funds: The mission of The American Ireland Fund is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of Peace and Reconciliation, Arts and Culture, Education and Community Development throughout the island of Ireland. The Ireland Funds host more than 100 events in 40 cities attended by over 40,000 people. Since 1976, The Ireland Funds have raised over $300 million. For additional information please go to www.irlfunds.org.